


3* j' 



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Class 
Book 



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Copyright^ . 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSrr. 




DAVID J. LOWREY, V. S. 



PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



AND 



LECTURES 



A Perfect Manual and Complete Hand-Boole on 

DISEASES OF STOCK, 

CONTAINING THIRTY-FOUR PLAIN AND COMMONSENSE 
LECTURES ON DISEASES OF HORSES, CATTLE, POUL- 
TRY, HOGS, SHEEP AND DOGS, AND THEIR TREAT- 
MENT, TOGETHER WITH INDISPENSABLE IN- 
FORMATION TO THE FARMER AND STOCK- 
MAN, And hundreds of the .best 

PRESCRIPTIONS AND TREATMENTS 

KNOWN TO THE VETERINARY 

PROFESSIONS 



BY 

DAVID J. LOWREY, V. S. 

SECOND EDITION— REVISELWENLARGED AND 
ILLUSTRATED. 



1904: 

DEMOCRAT PUBLISHING CO. 

Weatherford, Texas. 



[LIBRARY of OONGRESS 






Two Copies rteceiveu 

JUN I 1905 

Oauyngni tmry 
ouss <^- 

//■* 

COPY 




V 



A 



A 



\j 



Kntered according to Act of Congress in the year 1904, by 

DAVID J. LOWRBY, V. S. 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



AGREEMENT. 



having purchased Copy No of 'Private 

Prescriptions and Lectures, " by D. J. Lowrey, V. S., 
obligate myself to neither give a^ay nor lend this book or 
its prescriptions to any one, but I reserve the right to 
apply all the information I may obtain from these pages 
upon any evasion. 



Signed. 



In presence of Agent. 



,19 



PREFACE. 



After years of delay and many broken promises made to 
friends and former pupils the author submits this vol- 
ume with the hope that it will meet the expectations of 
those who have urged the work upon him. 

In the preperation of these pages my object has been to 
give to the American farmer and stockman, whose onerous 
duties allow but little leisure for consulting mofe compre- 
hensive works, a practical common-sense hand-book, 
through which he may be enabled to preserve the lives and 
usefulness of the most valuable assets of the farm. 

I have endeavored to eliminate everything not of some 
practical worth and have striven to express myself in plain 
and simple language to the end that anyone who can read 
may understand, no matter what his advantages in life 
may have been. 

In speaking thus plainly I feel that I can more readily 
secure the attention of those whom I desire to reach and I 
cannot believe that the simplicity of my work will cause it 
to prove less acceptable to them. 

THE AUTHOR. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE — HOW TO KNOW THEM — 
CAUSES — PREVENTION AND CURE. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Horse in Health— The Pulse of the Horse— The Temperature— 
The Respiration in Health — Actions and Inclinations of 
Disease — Importance of Prompt Treatment — Know what Yon 
Are Treating — Be sure Medication Is Indicated — How to 
Give Medicine — Nursing and Feeding Sick Stock. 

CHAPTER II. 
The Age of Your Horse and the Care of his Teeth— How to Tell the 
Age of Your Horse from Birth to Twenty-One Years of Age — 
Care of the Teeth — Sharp, Irregular, Uneven and Elongated 
Teeth — Tooth Ache — pampas — Sore Mouth — Tongue lacera- 
tion — Pharyngitis — Choaked Horse. 

CHAPTER HI. 

Diseases of the Respiratory Organs — Tumor in the False Nostrils — 
Acute Catarrh — Chronic Catarrh — Nasal Gleet — Laryngitis 
— Quinsy — Acute Bronchitis — Chronic Bronchitis — Pneumo- 
nia — Distemper or Strangles — Heaves or Broken Wind— Con- 
gestion of the Lungs — Pleurisy — Chronic Cough. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 7 

CHAPTER IV. 

Diseases of the Stomach and Bowels — Gastritis — Stomach Staggers 
— Indigestion — Bots — Bilious Colic — Wind Colic — Rupture of 
Stcmach — Rupture of Diaphragm — Constipation — Dysen- 
tery — Suppuration — Gut-tie — Inflammtiaon of the Bowels — 
Intestinal Worms. 

CHAPTER V. 

Diseases of the Urinary Organs — Inflamation of the Kidneys — 
Congestion of the Kidneys — Inflamation of the Bladder — 
Spasm of the Neck of the Bladder — Diabetes — Paralysis of 
the Bladder — Eversion of the Bladder — Rupture of the Blad- 
der — Bloody Urine — Dribbling of the Urine — Stricture of the 
Uretha — Gonorrhoea — Urinary Calculi — Foul Sheath. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Diseases of the Liver — Congestion of the Liver — Inflamation of the 
Liver. 

CHAPTER VII. 

Diseases of the Blood — Influenza Pink Eye — Rheumatism — 

Abscesses — Glanders — Farcy. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Diseases of the Heart and Blood Vessels — Diseases of the En 
docardium — Enlargement of the Heart — Aneurism — Thumps. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Diseases of the Brain and Nervous System — Inflammation of the 
Brain — Meningitis — Apoplexy — Lock-jaw or Tetanus — Sun- 
stroke^ — Blind Staggers — Loco Poisning. 

CHAPTER X. 

Diseases of the Eye — Moon Blindness — Glass Eye — Inflamation of 
the Iris — Cataract — Weeping Eye — Torn Eyelids. 



8 TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CHAPTER XI. 

Parasitic Troubles and External Affections of the Body — Lice 
—Mange — Ringworm — Itchy-Tail — ItchySkin — Surfeit — Hide 
Bound— Eczema— Warts— Saddle Galls— Set-Fasts— Poll-Evil 
Fistulous Weathers — Caries — Necrosis -Wire Cuts — Dropsy 
— Rupture. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Affections of the Legs — Wind Galls — Scratches— Greece Heel — 
Cocked-Ankle— Ring-Bone—Splint-Bone- Spavin— Bog Spavin 
— Blood Spavin — Sweeny — Shoulder Lameness — Stifled — 
Hipped — Hip Lameness* 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Diseases of the Feet — Corns — Quittor — Pricking — Nails — Wounds — 
Quarter Cracks — Thrush — Narrow Heel — Gravel in the Foot 
Stone Bruises — Canker — Side Bones — Acute Founder — 
Chronic Founder. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Diseases of the Organs of Generation — Inflamation of the Testicles — 
Evil Results of Castration — Wounds ol the Penis — Inflamma- 
tion of the Womb — Inflammation of the Ovaries — Parturition 
— Abortion—How to tell When a Mare is in Foal— Puerperal 

Fever. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Operations on the Horse — Bleeding — Stopping Blood — Extracting 
Teeth — Removing Tumors — Opening an Abscess — Operating 
in Blood Spavin — Tapping the Chest — Tapping the Colon — 
Castrating. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

JOCKEY TRICKS. 

How to Make an Old Horse Appear Younger — How to Make a 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 9 

Horse Go Lame — How to Fatten a Horse for Trading — How 
to Make a Slow Horse Fast — How to Make a Horse Quit 
Eating. 



PART TWO— DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Introduction — Sign of Disease — Pulse — Temperature — Respiration. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Diseases of the Organs of Respiration — Bleeding from the Nose — 
Bleeding from £ the Lungs — laryngitis — Diptheria — Bronchi- 
tis-^Pneumonia — Pleurisy — Chronic Cough — Heaves. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Diseases of the Digestive Organs — Sore Mouth — Loss of Cud — 
Choking — Hoven — Impaction of the Rumen — Impaction of 
the Ommasum — Dry Murrain — Chronic Indigestion — Consti- 
pation — Diarrhoea — Dysentery — Inflammation of the Bowels 
Intestinal Worms — Tape Worm. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Diseases of the Urinary Organs — Inflammation of the Kidneys — 
Retention of the Urine — Dribling of Urine — Bloody Urine — 
Inflammation of the Bladder — Stone in the Bladder. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

General Blood Diseases — Blood Poison — Tuberculosis and Pul- 
mantitis — Rheumatism — Contagious Pleuro Pneumonia — 
Rinderpest — Texas Fever — Anthrax or Black Leg. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Diseases of the Brain and Nervous System— Congestion of the Brain 
— Inflammation of the Brain — Concussion of the Brain — 
Prostration from Heat — Paralysis — Lockjaw. 



10 TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Diseases of the Eye — A Foreign Substance in the Eye — Cataract 
— Torn Eye Lids. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Diseases of the Organs of Generation — Congestion of ^Testicles 
Inflammation of Testicles — Parturation — Prolong After-Pains 
Retention of After Birth — Abortion— Miscarriage — Flooding — 
Eversion of the Womb — Puerperal Fever. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

External and Parasitic Troubles — Lock Jaw — Exzema — Water 
Blisters— Boils— Warts— Snake Bites— Mange— Ring Worms 
Lice— Ticks— Grubs in the Back— Buffalo Gnats — Home Flies 
— Screw Worms — Fleas. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Afflictions Peculiar to Cows in Milk — Inflammation of the Udder — 
Congestion of the Udder — Chapped and Sore Teats — Suppres- 
sion of Milk— Bitter Milk— Bloody Milk— Milk Fistula. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Diseases of the Calves— Joint 111 — Abscess of Navel — Navel Rup- 
ture—Constipation — Scorning. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Operations — Setting Broken Limbs — Dehorning — Tapping the 
Chest— Tapping the Paunch— Tapping the Bladder— Castra- 
tion. 



PART THREE— DISEASES OF SWINE. 
CHAPTER XXIX. 
Diseases of Swine Their Prevention and Cures — How to Care for 
Hogs — How to Prevent Diseases— Quinsy-Choaking— Stunted 



TABLE OF CONTENTS II 

Hogs — Worms in Hogs — Constipation— Diarrhoea— Blind Stag- 
gers — Fits in Pigs — Pneumonia — Hog Cholera — Sows Pigging 
— Bustler Pigs — How to Give Hogs Medicine. 



PART FOUR— POULTRY. 

CHAPTER XXX. 



Poultry and Their Diseases, Cause and Prevention— How to Keep 
Poultry Healthy — Kgg Production— Crop Bound — Diarrhoea 
— Cholera — Roupe — Catarrh — Bronchitis — Gapes — Pip — Sore 
Head — I^eg- Weakness — Iyice — Fleas — Mites. 



PART FIVE— SHEEP. 
CHAPTER XXXI. 



Sheep and Their Disease Prevention and Cures — Travel Sores- 
Sore Feet — Gravel and Swollen Feet — Foot Rot — Maggots — 
Liver Fluke — Ringworms — Bloating — Colic — Inflammation 
of the Bowels — Grubs in the Head — Scab. 



PART SIX— DOGS. 
CHAPTER XXXII. 



"The Dog, their Diseases Prevention and cures —Mange; — Fleas — 
Lice — Ringworms — Inflammation of the Eye — Canker of the 
Ear — Distemper— Constipation — Worms — Fits — Cholera — 
Hydrophobia— Poison in Dogs. 



PRIVATE 
PRESCRIPTIONS AND LECTURES 



THE HORSE. 

CHAPTER I. 

To be able to successfully meet the various pathological 
conditions which so often arise in the great equine family, 
tbe student must first turn his attention to, and master the 
horse in a state of pertect health; when this is done he is in 
a position to distinguish the presence of disease. Tbe nor- 
mal or healthy horse is one in which there is an entire ab- 
sence of any pervertion of nature, either external or inter- 
nal. External or local troubles can in most instances be 
readily determined by even the unlearned, but internal les- 
sions cannot be distinguished or understood satisfactorily 
without accurate information as to the pulse, temperature, 
respiration, actions and inclinations, in fac^everything that 
is in any wa}' expressive of either the feelings or physical 
condition of the animal must be carefully studied. 



14 



PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



PULSE. 

If there is any one thing which can be classed as being 
of vital consequence, of supreme importance to the veteri- 
narian, it is a perfect understanding of the pulse. The 
pulse is the barometer by which we are governed in the ad- 




ministration of medicines in all internal diseases. It is ev- 
idence of the circulation of the blood which passes through 
the arteries at the rate of about ninety feet per minute. It 



AND LECTURES 1 5 

is the key to the nervous system, for the circulation is pro- 
duced and its volume regulated by the sympathetic nerves. 
The pulse indicates the condition of the heart, and whether 
or not disease is of a depressed or exalted character. In 
inflammations and fevers the frequency of the pulse is in- 
creased according to stage of the disease. In debilitated 
conditions we find it usually depressed, but some times 
quick, then natural. The normal or pulse of health in the 
full grown horse is from 33 to 36, and in rare instances, 40 
beats per minute. In young stock it is more frequent, 
under one year of age it runs from 42 to 48 beats per min- 
ute. There are many places at which the pulse can be 
gotten, but the best place for taking it is, in my judgement, 
from the submaxillary artery as it passes on the inner an- 
gle of the lower jaw, this being the most convenient. We 
have many pulse variations which will be fully treated un- 
der the heads of the diseases in which they prevail. 

TEMPER.ATVRE. 

When we speak of the temperature of a horse, we do so 
with reference solely to the amount of heat prevailing in 
the economy of the animal. Through the agency of a ther- 
mometer, and by no other means, are we able to secure the 
correct temperature of a horse. To take temperature in- 
sert clinical thermometer in rectum, always turning to^ 
one side so as to have it press against the side of bow- 
els, allow it to remain from 3 to 5 minutes, remove carefully 
and note any deviation from the normal. The normal tem- 
perature of the horse is from 99 to 100 degrees. In severe 
cases the temperature should be taken every 4 to 6 hours,. 



1 6 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTION 

while in mild cases once or twice a day is sufficient. The 
temperature may sometimes run as low as 78 1-2 degrees 
and the horse will survive, but when it reaches 75 degrees 
it is my judgement that death is rapidly approaching. 

RESPIRATION. 

In health ^he horse breathes from 12 to 14 times per min- 
ute, work or excitement increases this, however. The num- 
ber of respirations per minute can be readily counted by 
the heaving of the flanks. It requires no special skill to 
distinguish the soft rustling sound of the healthy respira- 
tory murmur, but considerable experience is required to 
make one a first-class judge of the sounds obtained by per- 
cussion. Percussion is the act of striking smartly a finger 
of one hand, (resting gently over part to be examined) witl^ 
the first three fingers of the other. In connection with the 
respiratory organs we place the finger over the lung in the 
region of the 6th rib, do our striking and in case of health 
we find a clear resonant sound, but should disease exist 
everything is changed, depending entirely upon the nature 
and extent of the trouble. The abnormal sounds which 
prevail in diseases of the air passages and lungs will be 
treated under the heads of the various diseases with which 
they are associated. 

In studying the horse, his every act as to position in 
standing and lying, rolling, kicking, pawing, jumping, 
etc. , must be taken into consideration with its initial refer- 
ence to disease. These along with inclinations in the way 
of appetite, for either food or drink, are expressive of the 



AND I,ECTURES 17 

feelings of an animal, and are all we have to rely upon in the 
diagnosis of disease, aside from the pulse, temperature and 
respiration By depicting an animal when suffering from 
a derangement of an internal organ, is our only means of 
illustrating an internal disease. 

Under this head I desire to direct the reader's attention 
to and urging upon him the importance of a painstaking 
consideration of the habits and constitutional conditions, as 
well as the color and quantity of excretions^ of every ani- 
mal which he is treating, to the end that he may be able to 
distinguish when nature is aiding him. 

Importance of Prompt Treatment. 

The sooner disease is recognized and given the proper 
treatment the sooner health will be restored, making the 
liability of a fatal termination and consequent loss, very 
much less and. from a humane standpoint, the less the an- 
imal will suffer Thete is nothing to which the old adage 
that "a sti:ch v\ ime saves nine," applies more forcibly 
than in th - tre tment of the ailments of all kinds among 
stock, no matter whether the trouble be local in character 
or of internal origin. For instance, a horse goes lame from 
a cor , it properly attended to it can be cured in a few days, 
but if neglectei, it festers and spreads, works, up through 
the foot and breaks out around the top of the hoof, forming 
quittor, which with the best of attention cannot be cured 
in less than 5 or 6 weeks. Another instance, a horse may 
catch a cold and have a catarrhal discharge from the nose, 
sore throat, a cough and loss of appetite; if promptly and 



1 8 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

properly treated he may be restored to health and useful- 
ness in from 2 to 10 days, but if neglected for a day or two 
the disease will in all probability find its way into the 
lungs, starting an irritation most painful in character, and 
disease of lengthy duration, with the possibility of a fatal 
termination. 

know What You Are Treating. 

Let me urge as a matter of utmost importance, that when 
treatment of any kind is indicated, whether it be local or 
internal, that the proper remedies be applied promptly and 
thoroughly. But I would remind you to be sufficiently 
cautious in every instance; always be sure you are on the 
right track then go ahead with energy and persistence. Do 
not be caught treating an ankle because it is cocked, when 
every particle of the inflammation causing the lameness is in 
the foot. Neither would I have you make the mistake of 
"dosing" a horse for the "Bots," when the trouble is either 
Pleurisy or an affection of the kidneys. Many errors 
similar in character to these, have come under the obser- 
vation of the writer in his practice. One notable instance in 
which many were deceived was supposed to be a case of 
"Sweeney" in which I was called. I iound the horse 
very lame, and blistered on both shoulders and withers by 
the too free use of some patent liniment of questionable 
utility. I made a careful examanation, and through it 
the fact was disclosed to me that this horse was suffering 
from a thorn in his foot. This I removed and the patient 
was all right in a few days, I relate this [merely to illu§* 



AND LECTURES] 19 

trate the worth of accurate information, and the absolute 
necessity for careful examination, and intelligent delibera- 
tion before beginning with any treatment. But when the 
disease is clearly defined, when it is exclusively located 
by a process of exclusion, begin at once the careful admin- 
istration of the remedies indicated in such disease, provided 
however, that in case of internal medication, the nature 
and stage of disease makes such 1 course necessary. 

The reader must bear in mind the important fact that 
medicine alone never cured man nor beast. It merely 
assists nature in effecting a cure. Observation and experi- 
ence have forced the conclusion upon me, that more stock 
are killed through the administration of stuff called medi- 
cine by the ignorant and irresponsible than would have 
died, had nature alone been depended upon for a cure. . I 
have found it necessary to physic only about one half the 
stock which I am called to see. Nature and disease are 
diametrically opposed to each other. The one puts forth 
every effort by means of natural law to build up the system, 
while the other exerts all those baleful influences which 
have a tendency to bring about decay and death. In the 
treatment of the internal diseases of the horse, I would 
advise that nature be relied upon entirely, until the pulse 
reaches 50 beats per minute; should the pulse go be- 
yond this, medication is indicated and I would suggest 
that its administration be promptly begun. But I re- 
commend that a dose of medicine for any internal disease 
be never repeated so long as the pulse is on a stand still 
or shows an inclination to come down; under these circum- 



20 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

stances simply give nature a chance, and in most cases 
she will do her work well. 

How to Give Medicine. 

Medicine for horses is usually either in a liquid or 
powdered form. Powders may be given incorporated with 
the food; when the horse will not take it in this way, a 
good plan is to use a long handled spoon, pull his tongue 
out and empty powder by means of spoon far back on the 
root of it. Another way of giving powders is by making 
them into a ball or placing them in a capsule which ball 
or capsule, as the case may be, is thrown into the fauces 
or throat of the patient. liquids are best given in the 
way of a drench. To drench a horse secure a long necked 
bottle and place the desired amount of medicine in it, ele- 
vate the head of the horse, insert neck of bottle in side of 
mouth and pour contents slowly into throat, keeping head 
elevated until all is swallowed. If horse should cough 
while being drenched, let his head down at once regard- 
less of the loss of medicine, for if kept up, drench is liable 
to pass into the lungs instead of the stomach and result in 
something serious. Never be so brutal' and ignorant as to 
attempt drenching a horse through the nose, for it is an 
inhuman practice, aside from placing the life of the animal 
in jeopardy. 

Small doses of medicine can be given by means of a 
little syringe. To do this open the mouth of horse with 
one hand, insert the syringe containing medicine at the 
side with other, and shoot contents into throat. 



AND I^CTURES 21 

The hypodermic method of administering mediciaes is 
very unsafe for any but experienced practioners, for by this 
method they are assimilated much more readily, and act 
very much moie powerfully than when taken through the 
stomach. The dose hypodermically of most drugs is about 
half that administered internally. 

Nursing and Feeding. 

Much might be written under this head and from time 
to time, we intend wedging in a lot of matter in this con- 
nection which we consider of worth to every one. At 
this stage we will simply give a few practical hints. 

In order to care for an animal intelligently and properly 
the nurse must familiarize himself with his habits and 
requirments in a state of health. It is of the greatest 
importance in case of sickness that a horse should be made 
as comfortable as possible in both summer and winter; 
always allow plenty of fresh air to breathe, but in every 
instance avoid a draft Have bedding dr} 7 and clean. 
Food wants to be simple, clean, nutritious and as easy 
digestable as possible. All water given should be fresh, 
pure and clean. Be careful about over-feeding; this is 
often a detriment and hindrance. Sick horses should 
be fed 4 or 5 times per day, but in very small quantities. 
Colts should have their rations every 2 or 3 hours. A pa- 
tient with fever should have plenty of pure water by him 
all the while, and be allowed to help himself, but those 
suffering with Diarrhoea or Dysentery should be given 
water 4 or 5 times per day in sparing quantities. Ah ani- 
mal should always have a few days rest after being sick; 
many cases prove fatal from working them too soon. 



22 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

THE AGE OF THE HORSE FROM BIRTH 
TO TWENTY-ONE. 

In buying or trading for a horse, age is always a matter 
which must necessarily enter into the consideration, for 
upon it largely depends the value of the animal, from a 
monetary standpoint, age also cuts quite a figure in the 
service which 'Is expected of the animal. It is very es- 
sential that farmers and stock owners, should study the 
teeth very closely, that they might be able to judge for 
themselves the age of their stock, for there is no other way 
of approximating the age of a horse except by the teeth. 
I shall endeavor to tell in as plain language as possible 
the conditions which will be met with from the birth of the 
colt to twenty-one years of age. 

ist. Adult horse has forty teeth in all, twenty-four jaw 
teeth or grinders, twelve above and twelve below He has 
twelve front teeth or nippers, six above and six below. He 
has four tusks, two above and two below. The mare has 
thirty-eight teeth, twenty four grinders or jaw teeth, and 
twelve front teeth or nippers. She has two tusks after she 
passes seven years of age, but never has any above. 

2nd. The colt at birth has no teeth at all, but in two 
weeks old we find four front teeth, two above and two 
below. At twelve weeks old he gets four more, two above 
and two below, the two are called the lateral teeth. At 
nine months old he gets four more front teeth called the 
corner teeth, two above and two below. So at nine months 
old the colt has a full mouth of milk or temporary front 
teeth. There is not mu^h change in the teeth until the 



AND LECTURES 23 

colt gets two years old. At two and a half years he sheds 
four of his front teeth, two above and two below which are 
called the center teeth or nippers and ge^s in permanent 
teeth. At three and a half years old he sheds four more 
which are called the lateral teeth, two above and two below. 
At five years old the teeth in front are all even, this is 
what we call a full mouth of permanent teeth; each one of 
the front teeth has a black cup in it. At six years old the 
black cups disappear from the two center teeth below. At 
seven the black cups from the next two disappear from 
below. At eight years old the black cups from the two 
corner teeth disappear. At nine years old the black cups 
from the two center teeth above go out. At ten years 
old the black cups from the two next teeth above are 
smooth. At eleven years old the two corner teeth above 
are smooth At twelve years old a groove starts at the gum 
margin but is not noticeable before the horse reaches thir- 
teen years old. This groove will travel about one eight 
the length of the tooth till the horse ge's twenty one yea'S 
old, then we can teU no more. 



24 



PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 




No. i. Showing riouth at 4 Years of Age. 




No. 2. Showing Mouth at 5 Years Old. 



AND LR TURKS 



25 




No. 4. Showihg flouth at 7 Ye rs of Age 



26 



PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 







No. 6. Shewing Mouih at 8 Years of Ag^ 




No. 7. Showing n«>mh at 20 Years cf Age. 



AND LKCTURES 27 

DISEASES OF THE TEETH, MOVTH AND THROAT. 

Under this head we will consider everything of import- 
ance in connection with these organs, and form those af- 
fections of the throat, which are intimately connected with, 
and have a direct bearing upon the air passages. 

Sharp, Irregular, Uneven and Elongated Teeth. 

Either of these is worthy. of our careful attention, for 
they often prevent a hor^e from properly masticating his 
food, and in some instances make eating a very difficult 
accomplishment. 

Cause — These irregularities are usually produced by are* 
tention of the milk teeth beyond the time when they should 
be shed, by the uneven wearing away of the permanent 
teeth in masticating hard food, and through a lack of prop- 
er acclusion. 

HOW TO KNOW THEM. 

A sight of the animal when trying to eat in connection 
with an examination is sufficient. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Cut teeth down evenly and smoothly, being careful to 
leave no sharp corners. This is accomplished by means 
of an instrument called a "float," which resembles a 
coarse file or rasp. If there is an irregular or elongated 
tooth, which precludes the possibility of establishing a 
propped acclusion by floating, extraction should be resort- 
ed to. 



28 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 




Drsssing t'iie Teeth. 

Tooth Ache. 

The tooth ache is of more common occurrence in the 
horse than is generally supposed and it very often pro- 
duces a condition, with reference to the health of the 
animal, of grave importance. No horse is in trim to per- 
form his full complement of work when he is stopped from 
eating his daily ration b}^ the pain engendered in the act 
from an exposed and irritated nerve, neither is he fit for 
service when racked and tortured by the excruciating and 
deep seated pain of an abscess on the fangs of a decayed 
tooth. 

Cause — It is brought about most generally by the forma- 
tion of a cavity through common decay, and occasionally 
from a kick or blow upon the mouth by which the teeth 



AND LECTURES ?.g 

are cracked, broken or otherwise injured. Sometimes 
injuries to the teeth are the results of efforts at masticating 
very hard corn. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The action of the horse while eating, coupled with an 
examination of his teeth, will disclose the trouble; he will 
throw it from side to side as if trying to remove food' from 
a sore in the mouth, and act much the same way when 
drinking cold water. He loses flesh rapidly from being 
unable thoroughly to masticate his food. If there is ulcer- 
ation or abscess of the tissues surrounding the fang of a 
tooth, we often find an enlargement or swelling which 
contains pus. Occasionally this abscess breaks into the 
nose, causing a discharge from the nostril on same side as 
diseased tooth. On account of the disagreeable odor emit- 
ted, a discharge of this kind is sometimes taken for Nasal 
Gleet, and occasionally for Glanders. A careful examina- 
tion of the teeth, and a reference to chapter on Gleet and 
Glanders, in this work will demonstrate the wide difference 
in these troubles. 

WHAT TO DO. 

If, after a careful examination, } t ou are satisfied that the 
patient is suffering from an affected tooth; immediate ex- 
traction is the proper thing to resort to. 

Lampas. 

This is simply congestion [of the buccal membrane and 



30 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

is accompanied by more or less tumefaction, which is 
more particularly noticed in the bars of the mouth. 

Cause — In old horses we attribute this condition to irri- 
tating substances or medicines, while in colts it is gener- 
ally the result of teething. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The bars of the mouth will be swollen, sometimes ex- 
tending below the teeth. In bad cases there will be a 
constant flow of saliva, and the horse can not masticate his 
food properly, and in many cases the breath is very 
offensive. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Scarify the first bar well with some sharp instrument, 
and rub in coarse salt for three consecutive days. Never 
cauterize for pampas . 

Sore Mouth. 

This trouble is quite common, and is in most instances 
the result of neglect or carelessness. 

Cause — Very often a sore mouth is produced by the use 
of a severe bit; occasionally by the caustic properties in 
either food or medicines, and sometimes from grazing when 
the dew is heavy. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

It is a very easy matter to look into a horse's mouth and 
discover an irregularity of this kind. When the bone or 



AND LECTURES 3 I 

roof of the mouth is injured, we will find considerable sore- 
ness and some swelling. 

WHAT TO DO. 

In case the trouble arises frow bit used, try another of 
more gentle persuasion, or else keep it out of mouth en- 
tirely for a few days. If properties in food or medicine 
are cause, make a change in them, and in case the trouble 
comes from grazing when dews are on, keep patient off of 
pasture until the sun is well up in the morning and lot 
him before dew falls in the evening. To remove the 
cause is' generally sufficient to effect a cure, but in the 
event the mouth is raw, and you desire to aid nature, use 
the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Acid Tannic one half ounce. 

Acid Acetic Dilute one ounce. 

Water, add sufficient quantity, one pint. 
Mix and apply 3 times a day as a lotion to the mouth. 
In case the bone is injured or exposed cleanse it well 3, 
or 4 times a day with carbolized water. 

Tongue Laceration. 

Though of uncommon occurence, it is well that we 
understand how to treat such a condition to the best 
advantage. 

Cause — In falling, an animal sometimes has his tongue 
between his teeth, and by this means it is bitten; again he 
strikes his mouth against something and the tongue is 



32 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

injured. The bits or a sharp molar tooth are in some in- 
stances the cause of laceration. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

A sight of the tongue will readily convey to the mind of 
any one what the trouble is. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Wounds of the tongue heal very quickly and satisfac- 
torily, but they do not always heal as evenly and smoothly 
as we would like. In severe cases where a portion of the 
tongue is torn or cut more than half off, it is advisable to 
cut severed portion entirely away and use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Borax i ounce. 

Honey i ounce. 

Water i pint 

Mix and apply to wound (after drying it) 3 or 4 times 
per day. 

Pharyngitis 

By Pharyngitis is meant an acute inflammation of the 
Pharynx, which is an organ situated at the back part of 
the mouth and is the connecting link between it and the 
tube leading directly into the stomach. 

Cause — It is usually brought about through some for- 
eign substance, such as oat straw or wheat beards, lodging 
in its passage from the mouth into the esophagus, the 
latter being the tube leading to the stomach. 



AND LECTURES 33 



HOW TO KNOW IT. 



We find the throat and glands of the neck more or less 
enlarged, considerable tenderness upon pressure, neck 
stretched and head extended. It will be noticed that it is 
very painful for the animal to swallow, if indeed he can do 
so at all. In his efforts at drinking, water return's by way 
of the nose. This desease presents many of the symptoms 
which are found in Laryngitis, a disease of the air passage, 
but is much easier controlled; about the only difference of 
any note in the symptoms of the two are the hacking cough 
and high fevers found in Laryngitis. The treatment em- 
ployed is very similar in both diseases. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First, examine the throat and if any foreign substance 
be found, remove it. After this is done apply a counter 
irritant to outside of throat. A mustard plaster is good, 
and the following has been used with considerable success 
by the author: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Ammonia Liquor 

Turpintine, Oil of 

Linseed Oil, each *. 2 ounces. 

Mix and rub in well once per day until blistered. 
In case patient should have any fever use 



34 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Aconite, Tincture of . . j . , one drachm 

Niter, Spirits of 1 1-2 ounces 

Potash, Nitrate of 1 1-2 ounces 

Water, add sufficient quantity . . . . 1 pint 

Mix and give one tablespoon every 2 hours until fever 
gives away. Give soft feed, such as bran mash, and in 
case patient cannot swallow this, try him on meal gruel in 
the way of a drench. Should this fail, injections of oat 
meal gruel into :he rectum must be depended upon. Pre- 
pare this same as for table. 

Choked Horses. 

While an uncommon occurence, yet we occasionally 
run across a horse that is choked, and it becomes 
our duty to relieve him, when such a course is 
possible. 

Cause — The lodgment of anything in the throat. In 
most instances it is caused by eating dry food, such as 
thrashed oats, fodder, hay, etc., without these being prop- 
erly incorporated with and moistened by the saliva. These 
accumulate in great lumps in the gullet, usually about six 
inches below the pharynx. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is little room for mistake in diagnosis when a horse 
is [choked, for his every -act plainly indicates the trouble. 
We notice the choked horse elevating his head and stretch- 



AND LECTURES 35 

ing his neck, he is coughing hard at intervals, as if trying 
to expel something from the throat, and the saliva runs 
freely from both sides of the mouth. In some instances the 
flanks are distended. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Make a thorough examination, and if obstruction can be 
reached, remove it with either hands or forceps. Should 
you fail in your efforts at removing it in this way, admin- 
ister a few swallows of raw Linseed oil, a half dozen 
raw eggs; if these do not soften lump and lubricate gullet 
sufficient to allow it to pass on to the stomach, force must 
be used. There is a probe made expressly for work of this 
kind, but a smooth buggy whip well greased, or small rub- 
ber tube is all right. By exerting gentle pressure with 
probe upon obstruction, it can in most cases be readily 
forced into the stomach. Great caution must be exercised 
in introducing any of these things into the throat, to avoid 
pushing them through the walls of the gullet, and never 
allow them to remain for longer than a minute at a time, 
as the patient cannot breathe with an instrument of this 
kind in his throat. 



CHAPTER II. 



Diseases of the Respiratory Organs. 

It is very essential that diseases confined to these organs 
should have prompt and careful attention, for in very 
many instances the life of the animal depends upon our 
efforts in this direction. Intelligent treatment, coupled 
with every advantage of disease, with reference to duration 
should be our motto. 

Tumor in the False Nostril. 

The false nostril is a small pouch on the inside of the 
lower edge of either nostril. Tumors sometimes form here 
and partake more of the nature of abscesses, in that they 
are filled with pus of a cheesy consistency, but are tumors 
in that they form slowly and do not point and break like an 
abscess. 

Cause — We can give no satisfactory reason for a malady 
of this kind. It may come from ara external injury and 
again the cause may arise through a lack of functional 
activity upon the part of some of the sebaceous glands. 



AND LECTURES 37 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

A small swelling is often apparent on the outside, but 
the main dependence is to be placed in an examination of 
the nostril, when it will be found almost closed by an 
enlargement, generally about the size of an egg; there is no- 
soreness, but we notice more or less wheezing in the act of 
breathing, this being due to the diminished capacity of the 
air passages. 

WHAT TO DO. 

There is not the slightest danger in operating here. Cut 
into tumor from inside of the nostril, making a free open- 
ing for the pus to escape. Wash out wound thoroughly 2 
or 3 times a day with carbolized water. 

CATARRH. 

Some writers treat this subject under three different 
heads, viz: Acute, subacute and chronic, but for all prac- 
tical purposes I think a more simple classification justified, 
hence we consider it as being only acute and chronic. 

Acute Catarrh. 

This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the 
nostrils; it is simple in itself, but all inflammations of the air 
passages are liable to extend to the bronchi and lungs and 
thus produce bronchitis or pneumonia, either of which is of 
serious import. 

Cause — Exposure to raw winds, cold rains and snow 



38 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

storms, more particularly when the animal is exhausted 
from overwork, or is overheated from any cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

First we notice sneezing and shaking of the head, which 
are in many instances signs of pain in the horse; these are 
followed by a change in the mucous membrane of the nos- 
trils from the normal pink to a deep red color. Soon a 
watery discharge from the nose makes its appearance, but 
changes in a few days to a mucilaginous state of yellow- 
ish-white color and may be profuse. The temperature 
rises, pulse runs from 44 to 60 beats to the minute, the 
fever depending upon the amount of surface involved. The 
appetite is often lost and the patient becomes debilitated; 
he does not cough unless the throat is affected, but expels 
air through his nostrils often in a manner which may be 
aptly called "blowing his nose." In very acute cases we 
find the eyelids swollen considerably as seen in pink eye 
and tears flow freely over the cheeks. 

WHAT TO DO 

Shelter well and blanket if necessary; give soft feed and 
^plenty of fresh well water to drink. Syringe out nostrils 3 
or 4 times a day with carbolized water and should throat 
become affected apply mustard plaster on under side from 
ear to ear. If pulse should go over 50 beats per minute use 
this: 



AND LKCTURES 39 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Aconite Tincture of . . i drachm 

Belladonia Fluid extract of . . .2 drachms 
Water, use a sufficient quantity . . . 4 ounces 
Mix and give one tablespoon full 3 or 4 times a day and 

should there be a lack of appetite try the following as a 

tonic: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Potash Nitrate of 2 ounces 

Potash Bi-tartrate of 3 ounces 

Iron Sulphate of 2 ounces 

(Black) Atimony , 1 ounce 

Sulphur 8 ounces. 

Mix and give a tablespoon full once per day. 

Chronic Catarrh or Nasal Gleet. 

The seat of this desease is usually the sinuses of the 
head. Some care must be exercised in passing upon 
the troubles of this kind as horses have been condemned as 
glandered when there was no ailment aside from "nasal 
gleet." Study well in connection with this disease the 
symptoms of glanders and you will be competent to render 
a safe opinion whenever called upon. Most generally the 
health of the animal suffering with chronic catarrh is not 
materially affected unless the case be of long standing. 

Cause— Neglected or obstinate acute catarrh which fails. 
to yield to treatment. 



4° PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



HOW TO KNOW IT 



It is manifested by a presistent discharge of a thick 
white or yellowish-white matter from one or both nostrils 
most commonly from one. This discharge may be inter- 
mittent, some days great quantities being thrown off and 
again very little if any. The eye on same side as dis- 
charging nostril may present a peculiar appearance and 
look somewhat smaller than its fellow on opposite side. 
There may be an enlargement or bulging of the bone over 
affected part between and below the eyes. The breath 
may be offensive, but this is very unreliable as it may 
come from a bad tooth. When you tap on the bones 
between and below the eyes and above the back teeth if 
the sinuses are filled with pus the sound emitted will be 
the same as if you had struck a solid substance, but if not 
we get a hollow drum like sound. In this disease we do 
not have the ragged sores found on the mucous membrane 
of the nose in glanders. There may be a dry cough and 
sometimes loss of appetite. 

WHAT TO DO. 

If there be no bulging of the bone and sinuses are not 
entirely closed by inflammation, syringe out nostrils well 
night and morning with carbolized water. When this is 
done take a pail of hot water and hold it under patient's 
nose forcing 1 him to inhale the steam as it rises. Stir water 
in pail with a twig and steam will pass off much more 
rapidly than if left at rest. Give internally: 



AND LECTURES * 4 1 



PRESCRIPTION. 



Iron Sulphate of i and i 1-2 ounce 

Potash Nitrate of 1 ounce 

Gentain powdered 1 ounce 

Blood Root 1 and 1-2 ounce 

Mix and divide into 16 powders; give one night and morn- 
ing. In case the sinuses of the head are closed and bulg- 
ing of the bones has taken place, trephining is the only 
course left open but this is a very difficult operation and 
will require the services of a skilled veterinarian. (See 
chapter on operations.) 

Pharyngitis. 

This is an inflammation of the larynx, an organ situated 
at the upper pa^ of and is continuous with the wind-pipe. 
It is what is familiarly known as the "voice box" in man. 

Cause — Exposure, standing in cold draft of wind when 
warm; driving animal until he is hot and then allowing, 
him to cool quickly. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is short, hurried breathing which may assume a 
noisy character and the patient sometimes seems as if 
threatened with suffocation. The cough which is usually 
the first symptom noticed is a dry hacking one. A violent 
fit of coughing may be induced by exerting pressure upon 
the larynx. In some instances the difficulty in swallowing 
is so great that water and sometimes food are returned 



42 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

through the nose. The head is generally poked out and 
carried stiffly, and saliva dribbles from the mouth. The 
temperature commonly runs from 102 ° to 104 ° and pulse 
will be found quick and small, running from 55 to 75 
beats per minute, depending upon the amount of fever. 



WHAT TO DO. 

Clothe warmly and shelter from storms. Rub mustard 
paste well in on throat from one ear to the other, and 
should this fail to give the desired relief in twelve or 
fourteen hours, try a Linseed meal poltice, having it as hot 
as patient can bear it. In all cases commence to steam 
the head with boiling water, with one tablespoonful of 
Spirits of Turpentine in it. Let him inhale it for fifteen 
or twenty minutes at a time every one or two hours until 
he gets relief If the pulse should run up to 55 or 60 
beats per minute, give this for a few days: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Belladonna Fluid Extract of . . .2 drachms 

Aconite Fluid Extract of 1 drachm 

Water, add sufficient quantity, ... 4 ounces 
Mix and give one tablespoon full every 2 or 3 hours, as 
the case needs it. You will always find the throat sore on 
.the inside of the mouth. So use this as a gargle: 

PRESCRIPTION. 
Tincture Ferri Chlorate 1-2 ounce 



AND LECTURES 43 

Chlorate of Potash i ounce 

Glycerine 2 ounces 

Tincture Aconite 1 drachm 

Water, add to make ....... 12 ounces 

Mix. Use as a gargle 4 or 5 times a day. Give the 
patient one tablespoon full of Nitrate of Potash in the 
drinking water twice a day; then give this Prescription 
night and morning: 

Quinine Sulphate 1-2 ounce 

Gentian (powdered) 2 ounces 

Sulphate of Iron 1 and 1-2 ounces 

Mix and divide into 8 powders and give one night and 
morning. When the patient begins to recover, the follow- 
ing tonic will prove beneficial in this, as well as most all 
other troubles where the appetite is involved or the 
blood is bad: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Mustnrd (ground) 4 ounces 

Sassafras Bark (powdered) .... 2 ounces 

Sulphur 3 ounces 

Gentian (powdered) 1 ounce 

Foenugreek (powdered) 1 ounce 

Antimony, Black 1-2 ounce 

Mix and give one tablespoon full once a day in bran, 
mash, and then give the patient several days rest. 



44 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Quinsy. 

Quinsy in the horse is nothing more than laryngitis of a 
-superative type. This disease resembles tonsilitis in the 
human family. 

Cause — The inflammation in laryngitis is occasionally of 
such a deep seated and persistent nature as Jihat there is a 
breaking down of tissue, and abscesses form, quinsy being 
the result. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

We find all the symptoms of laryngitis. The throat 
swells and gets very sore, the patient refuses to eat and 
generally has a small amount of fever which runs along 
from day to day until abscess breaks when there is a flow 
of pus and the sufferer gets almost instant relief. 

WHAT TO DO. 

We can do but little, aside from treating as we would 
laryngitis. Nature seems to take her own good time in 
assisting these abscesses in pointing and breaking. Should 
the patient get beyond eating or drinking and stay in 
such a condition for any great length of time it becomes 
our duty to. administer nutriment by way of the rectum. 
Large injections of water through this channel will quench 
a burning thirst. 



AND LECTURES 45 

BRONCHITIS 

Bronchitis presents itself to us in different forms, hence 
we classify it ino Acute and Chronic, and study each 
under k a seperate head In some sections of the United 
States these troubles are very prevalent, and it can in no 
way prove a waste of time for us to study them closely. 

Acute Bronchitis. 

This is simply an acute inflammation of the bronchi, these 
being the tubes or passages leading from the wind-pipe 
into the lungs. 

Cause— The causes of this trouble are much the same as 
that of those diseases of the air passages, previously de- 
scribed. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Generally we find a chill ro be the first sign of this dis- 
ease, but it is not always observed, this passes off and the 
reaction brings on fever, the temperature rises, the nostrils 
are distended and breathing is short and hard; at first 
there is a dry "barking" cough. The membranes of the 
nose are red; the patient will stand with his head down 
and won't move around much; his appetite is indifferent 
and his ears and legs are cold ^ hen we place our ear 
to chest of patient we hear a thick unnatural sound, a kind 
of hissing or wheezing when small tubes are affected, and 
a cooing or snoring when the larger ones are involved All 
of the symptoms may be observed in first ten hours, and 



46 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

in the next twenty-four the pulse may go up to 65 or 70 
beats a minute, and temperature to 104 ° or 105 ° ; the 
pulse will be small but freqnent. The cough will increase 
but will be of a moist rattling character. Urine will be 
highly colored and scanty. 

WHAT TO DO. 

If initial chill is observed, give immediately and at one 
dose four ounces of good brandy in a pint of warm water. 
When this is done wait an hour and begin the following; 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Aconite, Tincture of 1 drachm 

Belladonna, Fluid extract of . . .2 drachms 

Nitre, Spirit of 1 ounce 

Water, q. s. ad 6 ounces 

Mix and give one tablespoon full every 2 or 3 hours as 
indicated, In casejthe pulse should, at the expiration of 
twenty-four hours, run above 60 beats per minute change 
your treatment to this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Nitre, Spirits of 1 1-2 ounces 

Ammonia, Muriate of . . . • . . 1-2 ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 1 drachm 

Belladonna, Fluid extract oi ... 2 drachms 
Gentain, Tincture of . . . . . . .1 ounce 

Water, q. s. ad . . . 16 ounces 

Mix and give 3 tablespoon full every 2 hours until pulse 



AND LECTURES 47 

approximates 50 beats per minute, and has a downward 
tendency. Give patient fresh air to breathe and nave 
plenty of clean water by all the time. If there is much 
soreness of either lungs or throat use this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Turpentine, Spirits of 3 ounces 

Camphor (gum) 3 drachms 

Cedar, Oil of 1 ounce 

Sassafras, Oil of 1 ounce 

Alchohol 4 ounces 

Mix and bathe freely parts diiectly over soreness, and 
should this blister, rub in well once » day fresh lard Use 
same constitutional tonic as reccommended in laryngitis. 

Chronic Bronchitis. 

Cause — From taking cold on the acute form not having 
been treated at the proper time and in the right way. I 
sometimes think it is brought on through an animal eating 
food stuffs containing either dust or smut. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is a confirmed cough, more or less severe in 
-character and sometimes a discharge from the nostrils. 
The cough usually seems worse early in the morning, or 
when patient is subjected to exercise than at any other 
time. The temperature will be about normal, and the 
pulse will run from 42 to 45 beats per minute being full 
and regular. When the ear is placed to the chest we dis- 



48 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

tinguish a rattling rubbing sound, more, like passing the 
hand over a piece of dry paper than anything else. There 
will be heaving of the flanks and shortness of breath from 
the mere presence of these, this trouble is often taken for 
heaves. With chronic bronchitis a horse can do moderate 
work and stay in fair flesh. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Avoid long drives and be cautious about feeding too 
much bulky food. Give soft feed and pure water in liberal 
quantities. Be sure that you dampen every particle of 
feed allowed and let patient run on grass as much as possi- 
ble. Give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Aloes Barbadoes i and 1-2 ounce 

Potash Nitrate of .2 ounces 

Potash Chlorate of 2 ounces 

Blood Root (powdered) . . 1 and 1-2 ounce 

Lobelia Seed (powdered) 1 ounce 

Tartar Emetic 6 drachms 

Nux Vomica (powdered) .... 3 drachms 
Mix and divide into 16 powders and give one every night. 

Pneumonia. 

Pnenmonia is an acute inflammation of the tissues of the 
lungs; it is by no means rare and is most commonly con- 



AND LECTURES 49 

fined to the right lung. Horses may have it at any season 
of the year, but it is most prevalent in winter or early 
spring. Bronchitis is a common complication with pnue- 
monia. 

Cause — The cause of pneumonia is much the same 
as that of the other diseases of the air passages with the 
cold settling upou the lungs instead of elsewhere. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

First, the shivering chill in which there is a rush of 
blood to the lungs followed by high fever, the temperature 
running up to possibly 105 ° or 106 ° F. The pulse will 
run anywhere from 55 to 65 beats per minute and upward, 
the pulse will be soft and weak. The tips of the ears, and 
feet and legs will be cold. The urine will be scanty and 
a high color. The breathing will be hot and laborious; 
the number of respirations runnning up to 25 or 30 per 
minute, and the hair of the animal looks dry and dead; 
he stands with his head down and his appetite is poor. By 
placing your ear over the affected lung, (which is on the 
right side) you will observe a dry cracking sound, some- 
thing like salt thrown on fire. These symptoms are 
usually present for the first twenty-four to forty-eight 
hours and sometimes longer before it reaches the second 
stage of the disease. These symptoms are seen in the first 
stage or the stage of congestion, the second stage or stage 
of red, hepatization. On examination there is a loss of the 
expansive powers of the chest, on affected side, the respira- 



50 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

tions are had and painful in character, on percussion there 
is a dull sound observed over the affected lung-, which the 
sound will be like tapping a barrel full of water, then place 
your ear over the affected lung the reis no respiratory 
murmur heard. The lungs seem to be hard like liver, the 
pulse will stand at about 65 to 70 beats per minute the 
breathing will be from 30 to 40 per minute and he will 
stand on his feet all the time and never lay down. When 
he gets to where he will lay down you can look for a 
speedy recovery. The horse will live any where from 12 to 
25 days, without any treatment before he dies. 

In the third stage the affected lung becomes more moist 
and the pulse get faster and weak runs to 75 to 85 beats per 
minute and the temperature will stand at about 102 ° to 
103 ° , On placing your ear to the affected side there will 
be a moist wheezing sound heard, on pescussion the sound- 
ness will be found to be getting less marked. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First if you find the patient with the chill on him, blank- 
et him well, and put him in a comfortable place as possible 
with plenty of fresh air to breathe, but always avoid a 
draft, and allow plenty of good water to drink. While the 
chill is on him give him a stimulant about four ounces of 
good brandy or whiskey in half pint of warm water. If 
you don't see him with the chill on, give this until you get 
the fever reduced. 



AND LECTURES 51 



PRESCRIPTION 



Spirits Nitre 2 ounces 

Tincture Aconite 2 drachms 

Tincture Opium 2 ounces 

Water to make 4 ounces 

Mix and give one ounce every hour in half pint warm 
water; if the cough is very bad and the patient seems to be 
suffering much pain, give him a few doses of the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Tincture Opium 2 ounces 

Tincture Digitialis 1 drachm 

Water to make 4 ounces 

Mix and give one ounce at a dose every hour in half 

pint of water. Should the patient become constipated, give 

the following physic: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Aloes Barbadoes 4 drachms 

Linseed Oil, (raw) 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat in 24 hours if bow- 
els don't move. 

In the second and third stages of this disease you want 
to watch the heart and fever, give patient stimulants, such 
as Alchohol or good brandy in 2 to 3 ounce dose, 4 or 5 
times a day, after the patient gets on the road to recovery 
and the appetite is coming brck give the following as a 
tonic to build him up. 



52 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



PRESCRIPTION. 



Quinine 1-2 ounce 

Sulphate of Iron 2 ounces 

Gentian 2 ounces 

Foenugreek .1 ounce 

Mix, divide into 12 powders and give one night and 

morning in bran mash, let him have plenty of exercise but 

keep him in the dry, in bad weather. - 

Distemper. 

While I am willing to admit that when the morbid con- 
dition of an animal is such as to favor direct transmission 
this disease may prove infectious, yet I cannot accept the 
theory of many writers upon the subject who contend that 
it is a contagious blood disease. Its attacking and run- 
ning through an entire herd of horses, I will admit, is evi- 
dence in favor of the theory of contagion, but this is by no 
means proof positive, for in all probability every horse of 
the herd has been subjected to the same identical condi- 
tions. But no matter whether it be contagious, infectious 
or of spontaneous origin the vital fact remains that stock 
have it, and it becomes our duty to study methods for get- 
ting rid of it. 

Cause — The cause of distemper is entirely problematical; 
it may arise spontaneously, and again it may be the result 
of cold. One thing we do know and that is the fact of its 
being more prevalent in low damp sections of the country 
than upon higher ground. 



AND LECTURES 



53 




In Third Stage of Distemper. 



HOW TO KNOW IT. 



The coat of a distempered horse is usually dry and 
uneven; he suffers from loss of appetite and is in many 
instances apparently prostrated. Trie pulse will be quick 
and weak and the temperature will run up to 102 ° or 103 ° . 
The feet legs and tips of ears are cold. In two or three 
days the throat begins to swell on both sides and some- 
times between the lower jaws; this swelling is in some 
cases enormous, causing sufferer to hold his head and 
neck stretched like a child with mumps. There is usually 
a cough and inability to swallow, with a discharge from 
the nose which takes on a purulent character in a very 
few days. The eyes are weak and watery. The swelling 
referred to is painful and sore upon pressure being applied 
and in most cases it breaks within a week or ten days 



54 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

discharging pus. If the lungs should become involved we 
will by auscultation distinguish a wheezing sound. 

WHAT TO DO, 

Keep the patieni as comfortable as possible and use the 
following: 

Alum, (powdered) 2 ounces 

Blood Root, (powdeered) . .- . . . 1 ounce 

Gentian (powdered) 1 ounce 

Mix well and divide into 5 powders, give one the first 
night, skip the second day entirely, *on the third day give 
one morning and night, skip the fourth day and give one 
each Jon night of the fifth and sixth days successively. 
Bathe the throat of patient thoroughly with this liniment: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Turpentine, Spirits of 3 ounces 

Camphor Gum ......... 2 drachms 

Cedar, Oil of . . . 1-2 ounce 

Ammonia, water of ...... . 1-2 ounce 

Water, add sufficient for 6 ounces 

Mix and apply to throat 2 or 3 times a day, and should it 
seem to blister, grease with hog lard. If abscess 
forms and there is an indication of pus in the tissues of the 
throat make an incision directly over abscess and in line 
with the hair about a half inch deep and one and a half 
inches long, this is generally sufficient to reach the pus. 
Cleanse wound thoroughly three times a day with carbol- 



AND LECTURES 55 

ized water and give in connection with other treatment the 
general tonic reccommended in laryngitis. Should the 
lungs become involved and the pulse' run as high as 55 or 
60 beats per minute, give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Opium, Tincture of 1 ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 1 drachm 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . .2 drachms 

Niter, Spirits of 1 and 1-2 ounces 

Water, add sufficienty quantity ... 4 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoon full every hour until pulse 

comes down to 50 beats to the minute, then discontinue. 

See that bowels of patient are kept open; if they are in the 

least costive use purge reccommended in case of pneumonia. 

Heaves 

This is one of the most dreaded diseases with which 
stock are afflicted. To understand why this is so we have 
but to turn our attention to the lungs for a moment to be 
able to see why it is that nature's herculean efforts as well 
as our own feeble ones fail to relieve it. The lungs are 
composed of tissues fibrous in character and innumberable 
small air cells; the tissues are endowed to a very great 
extent with the properties of elasticity and contractility. 
By virture of these peculiar properties the tissues of the 
lungs are capable in a great measure of expelling air from 
and drawing it into them without any effort upon the part 
of an animal. Sometimes many of these small air cells are 



56 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

ruptured, larger ones being thus formed by reason of the 
fact that they break into each other. When this happens 
that portion of the lung involved loses largely its power of 
involuntary contraction; in this event the diaphragm, ribs 
and abdominal muscles are brought into play in expelling 
air from the lungs, the exercise of these giving rise to the 
twitching seen in the hanks. 

Cause — It is sometimes produced by rapidly driving in 
the face of heavy wind, particularly when the horse is not 
in condition to stand it; and it may be brought on by 
exercising too freely when the stomach of the animal is too 
full of bulky food to allow free expansion of the lungs. 
Again it may be caused by too violent exercise when the 
lungs are weak from cold, a severe spell of sickness or 
where the horse has been fed on dusty or smutty food. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There will be a deep cough, and instead of the regular ,, 
easy breathing there will be a twitching of the muscles of 
the flanks or a kind of secondary effort upon their part at 
every respiratory act. The nostrils will be distended, and 
by auscultation we observe a popping, crushing sound. 
When this sound is heard we can not be mistaken, for it is 
present in no other disease. An animal thus affected will 
have no fever, the pulse will run a little aboye normal, how- 
ever. If you are buying or trading for a horse that you 
have any reason to suspicion is one that the heaves have 
been "shut down" upon, (as the jockeys call it) I would 
cjvise that you examine his lungs and under no circum- 



AND LECTURES 57 

stances buy or trade for him if this popping, crushing 
sound be present, unless you naturally wish to posess an 
animal with this malady. The cough and hard breathing' 
can be gotten rid of for a short time, but no jockey can rob 
a horse for a minute of the above sound when he has the 
heaves. 

WHAT TO DO. 

A well developed case of the heaves can not be cured, 
but can be helped by careful feeding. Always feed with a 
view of getting the greatest amount of nourishment from 
the smallest amount in weight and bulk of food, and be 
sure to dampen every particle of dry food the patient gets. 
If grass' in pasture be green and growing it is a good 
idea to follow free range, but if grass be dead this is 
not a good plan. Allow no access to stalk-fields at any 
time. To relieve the cough and improve the general health 
the following can be used with benefit: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Lobelia Seed, (powdered) 2 ounces 

Blood Root 1 ounce 

Gentian .... 1 ounce 

Linseed Meal 2 ounces 

Mix and divide into 12 powders, give one night and 
morning. After giving these, rest for a week or ten days 
and repeat. Heaves in the first stage can be cured. We 
recognize the first stage by the presence of every symp- 
tom of a well developed case aside from the popping, crush- 



58 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

ing sound. When this peculiar sound is absent we can 
rest assured that the air cells have not been ruptured, and 
we may effect a cure if we will but treat the patient right 
and employ the following in the way of internal treatment: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Aloes Barbadoes . . . . . i and 1-2 ounces 

Potash, Chlorate of 2 ounces 

Potash, Nitrate of 2 ounces 

Tartar Emetic 6 drachms 

Nux Vomica, (powdered) .... 3 drachms 

Gentian 4 drachms 

Mix and divide into 12 powders and give one a day. 

Dampen all feed and under no circumstances must patient 

be exercised severely. 

In some states it is a violation of the law to tamper with 
the heaves for trading purposes, and it should be. I do 
not give the following with the intention of assisting any 
one in an illegitimate practice, but as^a means of protec- 
tion, I merely let the reader know how they are usually 
"shut down". About ten grains of extract of Stramonium 
wrapped around the bits in a piece of cloth will stop heav- 
ing of flanks and cough and have animal ready for trade in 
ten or fifteen minutes; this does not stop the characteristic 
sound of heaves observed in the chest. An animal should 
not be exercised very much, nor allowed to get too hot, or 
drink to much water for several hours after Stramonium 
has been used. 



AND tECTURES 59 

Congestion of the Lungs. 

Congestion of the lungs is not very common in the horse, 
but nevertheless we occasionally run across it in this ani- 
mal. It is simply a turgescent state of the tissues of the 
lungs produced by stagnation of the capillary blood ves- 
sels. Under favorable conditions this disease improves 
readily and total recovery is the result, but in some in* 
stances inflammation of the tissues of the lungs takes place, 
resulting in pneumonia. 

Cause — Over exertion when animal is not in condition to 
stand it. The blood being rich or overloaded with fatty- 
products, or the patient's being in too heavy flesh may be 
the cause of the congestion, and again the trouble may arise 
out of a weak pair of lungs, made so by a spell of sickness 
or otherwise. This trouble has been brought on by driv- 
ing too fast and too long when horse has not taken exer- 
cise for a week or two. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The horse suddenly stops all out of breath, his nostrils 
are distended and his countenance has a look of profound 
anxiety upon it; he looks around as if in search of fresh 
air and paws the ground. The pulse is small and quick 
and in the first stage there will be little or no fever. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Let patient stop if traveling and turn head towards the 
wind; loosen any part of the harness which may in the 



60 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

least interfere with the breathing. It is a very good plan 
to bleed in the month about the first or second bar. Allow 
animal thus affected cold water to drink, but in very small 
quantities at a time. Use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Aconite, Tincture of i drachm 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . .2 drachms 

Water, q. s. add 4 ounces 

Mix and give tablespoonfull every two hours until 
breathing is better, and pulse is down in the neighborhood 
of 45 beats per minute. If congestion does not yield to 
this treatment, look out for a case of pneumonia and adopt 
without delay treatment prescribed in it and apply it vigor- 
ously. The approach of pneumonia will be indicated by a 
rise in temperature, which, if it goes to 101 i-2, and breath- 
ing continues to be labored you may know without any 
guess work what the trouble is. 

Pleurisy. 

The lining of the chest and the covering of the lungs are 
serous membranes or sacks which enclose the lungs, and 
protect them from friction with any other portion of the 
chest or frame work of the body by means of the serous 
slippery secretion which comes from these membranes and 
lubricates, as it were, the lungs proper. These membranes 
are called the Pleura, and any inflammation of them is called 
Pleurisy, which disease is usually attended by great pain, 



AND LKCTURKS 6r 

and is often followed by hydrothofax, or filling of the chest 
with water. Pleurisy may exist alone, or in combination 
with pneumonia. When it appears in combination we call 
it Pleuro- Pneumonia. . 

Cause — Sudden exposure to cold rains and the like. A 
draft in the stable, especially if the horse comes in warm, 
or any shock in the way of a quick change when the animal 
has any tendency whatever to take cold. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The horse generally has a chill which is followed by 
high fever and great pain in the chest, which pain is evi- 
denced by the animal acting as if he had colicky pains; 
he has his nose turned around to his side; the ears and 
legs are cold and the breathing is hard. The elbow r s of 
the patient are turned in and he suffers from loss of appe- 
tite. Great pain is evidenced upon pressure with the fin- 
gers between the ribs. The temperature will run from 
103 ° to 105 ° and pulse wall make from 55 to 75 beats per 
minute. In placing the ear to the chest a rough dr3 T 
sound is observed. If recovery takes place it is usually in 
3 or 4 days; and should the pleurisy run longer there is an 
effusion and the chest begins to fill with water. If chest 
does not fill more than one-third full the effusion may be 
absorbed and patient recover. When there is water in the 
chest we hear a sound like sloshing water in a pail, upon 
placing our ear over affected lung. 



&2 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

WHAT TO DO. 

If chill is observed and pleurisy is suspected, blanket 

animal well and keep him in doors. Give the following at 

once: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Brandy, 4 ounces 

Ginger, Tincture of 1 drachm 

Mix and give at one dose in a pint of warm water and fol- 
low in an hour with: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Niter, Spirits of 1 and 1-2 ounces 

Gentian, Tincture of 1 ounce 

Potash, Nitrate of 1 ounce 

Ammonia, Muriate of . 1 ounce 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of ... 1 drachm 

Aconite, Tincture of 2 drachms 

Water, add sufficienty quantity . . . . x pint 
Mix and give two tablespoonsfull at a dose every 2 or 3 
hours as indicated. Should the pulse be above 60 beats 
to the minute in the beginning, double the above dose in 
the first instance. Feed lightly but put a pail of water by 
and allow patient to drink when he likes. Bathe affected 
side thoroughly with: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Turpentine, ' ' 2 ounces 

Camphor Gum 2 drachms 



AND LECTURES 63 

Sassafras, Oil of 1 drachm 

Alcohol, add sufficient quantity ... 3 ounces 
Mix and apply, repeat application in 6 hours and then 
grease. When fever is broken and pulse is running below 
50 beats a minute discontinue fever mixture and begin 
with the following blood purifier: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Sulphur 3 ounces 

Mustard, (ground) 4 ounces 

Blood Root, (powdered) . . 1 and 12 ounces 

Gentian (powdered) 1 ounce 

Sassafras Bark, (powdered) .... 2 ounces 

Foeuugreek, (powdered) 1 ounce 

Mix and give one tablespoonfull once a day. Should 

there be an effusion put fly blister on parts directly over 

lung involved. 

Chronic Cough. 

A trouble of this character among stock is quite common 
in the United States and is of much more [frequent occur- 
rence in animals which have but little or no advantages in 
the way of pasture than where they have free range upon 
either prairie or meadow. * 

Cause — The cause of this trouble is largely a matter of 
conjecture but it is reasonable to suppose that it is brought 
about through an inflammatory condition of either the lar- 
ynx or bronchial tubes, these being constantly irritated and 
kept in this condition by the presence of dust in the feed 



64 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

or atmosphere. Some writers claim and I am not prepared 
to refute it, that these coughs are sometimes brought on by 
neglect and improper treatment of catarrh and distemper. 

HOW TO KNOW IT- 

The cough is recognized as being dry, husky and hack- 
ing. Where in health it is strong and full and usually fol- 
lowed by a sneeze to clear the nose. It may be that the 
animal thus affected will cough but little at a time, and 
again he may have a spell of coughing lasting several min- 
utes, followed shortly by another spell of like character. 
This cough can in some cases be brought on b}^ pinching 
the larynx, and in others speeding of the animal is neces- 
sary to develop it. 

WHAT TO do. 

A chronic cough of long standing is incurable, but most 
cases can be benefitted, and in ,the beginning of disease, 
cured by the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Cedar, Oil of 2 ounces 

Ether, Sulphuric 1 and 1-2 ounce 

Sassafras, Oil of . . . . ' 4 ounces 

Ammonia, Water of . 1-2 ounce 

Camphor Gum . . . . " V * . . 3 drachms 

Alcohol, q s ad ■ ' . . . 1 pint 

Mix and apply to throat, rubbing it in well from ear to 
ear. Give internally the following: 



AND LECTURES 65 

PRESCRIPTION 

Camphor Gum 1 and 1-2 ounces 

Digitalis, (powdered) . 1 ounce 

Linseed Meal . , 2 ounces 

Gentian, (powdered) 1 ounce 

Mix and divide into 12 powders, give one of these night 

and morning, and should this fail to relieve patient try 

this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Balsam Fir ......*• ' . . . 2 ounces 

Balsam Copaiba 2 ounces 

Lobelia, Tincture 1-2 ounce 

Mix and give one tablespoon full night and morning. 
Some authors reccommend a mechanical counterirritant 
in the way of old-fashion Seton inserted under the skin 
of the throat, but I consider this of doubtful worth. 

Just here I desire to add a word of wholesome advice 
Do not under any circumstances attempt to hold a horse's 
head up and drench him when he has a cough. The best 
plan when liquids are used is to throw them into the throat 
with a syringe. 



CAPTER III. 

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS 

In this connection we purpose studying all of those im- 
portant troubles which arise in the alimentary canal from 
the stomach backward. We will no doubt treat some affec- 
tions in this chapter which it might seem right and proper 
to consider elsewhere in this work, but if the reader will 
think for only a moment he must realize that those which 
seem out of place (like rupture of the diaphragm, etc.,) 
are a direct result of some trouble along the alimentary 
canal. This chapter, the writer feels, will prove of much 
value to every reader, for in it we will consider some of 
the most common and yet most important diseases to which 
stock are liable. 

Gastritis. 

This is an inflammation of the stomach, and though by 
no means common, yet it is of sufficient occurrence to de- 
mand our attention, 



And tECTURfcs 67 

Cause — It is caused by over-eating in most instances, 
and occasionally from eating poisonous herbs. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Upon examination we will find some of the symptoms of 
wind colic present. A horse thus affected will lay down, 
but will roll but little if any, usually remaining very 
quiet. The food not being digested rapidly enough decom- 
position sets in and leads to some swelling in the bowels; 
the pulse will be soft and jerky at times and the patient is 
not likely to have any fever. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give a complete change of food and if in season allow 
patient to run on grass, otherwise give as soft food as pos- 
sible and use this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Ginger, Extract of . . . . . . . . 1 ounce 

Gentian, Tincture of . . . . . . .1 drachm 

Linseed Oil 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose, and repeat in 4 hours if patient 

is not relieved. 'If there seems to be much pain give with 

the above this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Morphine Sulphate 3 grains 

Water, q. s. ad 1-2 pint 



68 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat every 30 minutes 
until patient seems easier. When attack is passed use the 
following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Iron, Sulphate of 1 and 1-2 ounces 

Potash, Nitrate of 2 ounces 

Foenugreek, (powdered) 1-2 ounce 

Mix and divide into 12 powders, and give one morning, 
noon and night. 

Stomach Staggers. 

This is a very peculiar condition, but it is simply an 
acute attack of indigestion in which fermentation sets up 
in the stomach. 

Cause — Overloading the stomach. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The patient is usually found standing in a kind of stupor 
or asleep, and perfectly quiet; he is without appetite for 
either food or drink. The pulse will be very soft and it 
will not run very high for 10 or 15 hours. The tempera- 
ture will be found anywhere from 102 ° to 104 ° , and pa- 
tient will stand with his head down all the time. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Remove from food of any kind and sit a pail of water by. 
Give the following as a purge: 



AND J,KCTURKS 6-9 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Linseed Oil (raw) i pint 

Aloes Barbadoes 4 drachms 

Nux Vomica, Tincture of 1 drachm 

Mix and give at one dose, and repeat in 8 hours if bowels 
have not moved freely. After the second dose give injec- 
tions of warm water every hour until you get the desired 
action. If after the bowels move the temperature should 
run as high as 103 ° , use this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Aconite, Tincture of 1 drachm 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . .2 drachms 

Niter, Spirits of 2 ounces 

Water, q. s. ad 4 ounces 

Mix and give one tablespoon full every hour until fever is 

reduced. After bowels have acted and fever has subsided, 

commence the following: 

PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Iron, Sulphate of 2 ounces 

Cinchona Bark 2 ounces 

Mix and divide into 12 powders, and give one night and 

morning. Feed light and exercise but little for some 

time. 

Indigestion. 

This trouble seldom occurs in the horse, but we some 
times run across a case of it. 



JO PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Cause — High feeding is coinmnnly the cause, but bad 
teeth which interfere with mastication may produce it. 




HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The coat is rough, dry and staring, the horse will be 
thin and present a generally unthrifty appearance. The 
dung is of a peculiar yellowish color and offensive smell. 
The appetite is geuerally indifferent, but in some instances 
is ravenous for a moment then it is all over and he leaves 
the remainder of his feed or merely nibbles at it. 

WHAT TO DO 

If caused from a bad tooth, extract it, and if from high 
feeding give a complete change of food. A good treat- 
ment is to give purge same as in pneumonia, and follow 
with tonic powders recommended in laryngitis. 



Bots 



We find "bots" in every horse from start to finish, and 
instead of proving harmful as many would think, it would 



AND LECTURES 7 1 

be impossible for a horse to live without their presence in 
the stomach; as nature provides for .these little worms so is 
she able to care for them. But there is a worm hatched 
sometimes in the stomach of the horse from the egg of a 
"gad fly," or "nit fly," which, when passed by the horse, 
is taken for a bot; these resemble bots very much, but a 
comparsion of the two will demonstrate a difference. You 
may take a worm from the egg of a "gad fly," place it 
in a bottle, and inside of twelve days it develops into a 
perfect "gad fly," where a bot similarly placed is at the 
end of twelve months still a bot. As before stated all 
horses have bots, but these are not the cause of the mutil- 
ated condition of the stomach, which we find soon after the 
death of a horse, this condition being brought about by the 
action of the gastric juice — in fact it is a kind of self diges- 
tion of the stomach by itself. Bots never have killed a 
horse and I would advise that } r ou be not guilty of giving 
bot remedies for you can put nothing in the stomach that 
will kill a bot without killing a horse. A bot will live 
fifteen minutes in turpentine or strong tobacco juice and 
from eight to ten minutes in carbolic acid. When you see 
a horse rolling or giving forth any of the signs of disease, 
study the symptoms to the end that you may learn what 
the trouble is, always remembering to let the bots take care 
of themselves. In many cases the trouble is bilious colic 
instead of "bots," this being a very common mistake — in 
fact the most common one in this connection. 



72 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Bilious Colic. 

A colic of this kind is quite different to the others, and 
possibly ought to be studied under the head of diseases of 
the liver, but owing to the fact that many make the mis- 
take of saying a horse has the "bots," when bilious colic 
is the trouble, I deem it proper to consider it here. 

Cause — The cause is a want of functional activity on the 
part of the liver, that is the liver fails to perform its part of 
work in the economy of the animal. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The patient gets down and rolls, throws his head around 
to his side, turns up his upper lip and shows by his every 
act that he is suffering in pain in either stomach or bowels 
and probably both. The pulse will beat hard and regularly 
and there will be no swelling of the flanks. This is the 
only disease with no swelling in the flanks, in which the 
pulse is hard and regular. 

WHAT TO DO. 

In most instances this condition is easy to relieve. When 
first symptoms are noticed use this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Chloroform 2 drachms 

Cloves, Oil of 10 drops 

Syrup, Simple ...'••.... 4 ounces 
Mix and give at one dose, in a pint of warm water or 



AND LECTURES 73 

sweet milk; repeat every half hour until patient shows no 
sign of pain. After pain is relieved administer the follow- 
ing as a purge: 




In First Stage of Bilious Colic. 
PRESCRIPTION. 

Linseed Oil i pint 

Aloes Barbadoes 3 drachms 

Calomel : 6 grains 

Mix and give at one dose and patient will be all right in 
a few days. Remember when a ease of this kind has been 
cured that it was bilious colic and not "bots." 

Spasmodic Colic 

The term colic means a pain in the abdomen. An}- kind 
of colic is dangerous from the fact that it may result in in- 
flammation of the bowels, which trouble is very fatal, 
though not necessarily so. Spasmodic colic is so called on 
account of the spasmodic contraction of the muscular coats 
of the stomach and intestines. 

Cause — Often the cause is exercising a horse until he is 
warm and allowing' him to cool too quickly. Sometimes a 
horse is exercised until he is very warm, and as a matter 



74 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

of fact he is very thirsty; then under these circumstances 
he drinks excessively if permitted to do so; this causes a 
sudden contraction of the muscles of the stomach, and 
Spasmodic Colic is the result. 

In the first stage the patient will appear uneasy and will 
be noticed looking around; he will stand first upon one 
foot and then upon the other, quit his feed if eating and 




Second Stage of Spasmodic Colic. 

walk around as though he was going to lay down. In the 
second stage he drops down suddenly showing signs of the 
great pain he is in; he rolls very violently and gets up and 
down very often. There will be periods of relief in which 
the horse will be quite free from pain, but they are fleet- 
ing. A horse exercises himself more with this disease 
than with any other. When symptoms have been noted 
diagnosis can be verified by the pulse. We find two hard 
beats of it and then a fluttering fluctuation. When this is 
found we can be sure of Spasmodic Colic, for no other dis- 
ease presents this fluctuation of the pulse. We can not 
always go by the way a horse acts, for where there is any 
pain (no matter as to its character) in either stomach or 
bowels, he will roll more or less. 



AND LECTURES 75 

WHAT TO DO. 

If the pulse is under 60 and above 50 beats per minute, 
use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Chloroform . . . 1 drachm 

Ether, Sulphuric 1-2 ounce 

Opium, Tincture of 1-2 ounce 

Canibus Indicus, Fluid Ext. of . . . 10 drops 
Mix and give at one dose in a half pint of warm water; 
repeat this every half hour until pulse is on stand still or 
inclined to come down. Should the pulse run over 60 and 
under 75 beats a minute, double the above dose in the first 
instance but never afterward unless pulse should increase 
rapidly. If the pulse should run above 75 beats to the 
minute give 3 times the amount prescribed in the begin- 
ning and then drop back to original prescription. Allow 
patient a few days rest and be careful in feeding to insure 
best results . 

Flatulent or Wind Colic. 

This is the most dangerous and fatal of all diseases to 
which stock are liable. From this fact it ought to com- 
mand our close and careful attention. It is not very pre- 
valent; possibly if it was we would become better acquaint- 
ed with it, and more accomplished in handling it. 

Cause — We might say the primary cause of this trouble 
is indigestion, the food fermenting in the stomach. It is 



76 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

in most instances brought about by exercising a horse 
immediately after a heavy feed of corn has been eaten, the 
active exercise retarding or entirely interrupting digestion, 
and the moment digestion stops decomposition sets in and 
the evolution of gases begins. As before stated this is a 
very fatal malady: It lasts from two to twelve hours. 

The patient gets down and rolls, but not so much as in 
Spasmodic Colic. By the time the pulse reaches 45 or 50 
beats per minute the horse will begin to swell in the Banks. 
The pulse will be hard and regular all the time, (by regu- 
lar we mean without any fluctuation.) This is the only 
disease where there is swelling of the flanks in which the 
pulse is hard and regular all the time, so there is no room 
for mistake. If a rupture of the stomach or diaphragm 
should take place the pulse will get weak and small and 
patient will sit on his haunches like a dog. 

WHAT TO DO. 

When the first signs of Flatulent Colic are observed, and 
the pulse has reached 50 beats per minute give the 
following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Ether, Sulphuric ...... 2 drachms 

Opium, Tincture of 1-2 ounce 

Asafcetida, Tincture of, 1 ounce 

Ammonia Aromatic, Spirits of . . 2 drachms 
Linseed Oil to make ......... 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose. Should the patient not get 



AND LECTURES 7 

relief from this in 30 or 40 minutes, repeat the above dose, 
but leave the linseed oil off and use warm water instead of 
the oil. Should the gases continue to collect in the colon; 
Chlorate Hydrate, is also beneficial in this form of colic. It 
is an anti-ferment and a pain reliever. It is well adapt- 
ed to the treatment of Wind Colic. It should be given in 
one-half ounce doses, diluted in one pint of warm water. 

As this drug is irritant to the throat and stomach it 
should be well diluted. Oil Turpentine is an antispasmodic 
and can be given in Wind Colic, with good results, in 
two drachm doses, every two or three hours until two or 
three doses have been given. Powdered charcoal is a 1 so 
good in two ounce doses. If this treatment can't be ob- 
tained or should fail to have the desired effect, I have 
splendid results with this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Bi-Corbonate Soda 1 ounce 

Peppermint, Tincture of 1 drachm 

Opium, Tincture of . 1-2 ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 15 drops 

Mix and give at one dose in half pint of warm water, 
and repeat this dose every 30 minutes until the pulse shows 
a disposition to come down. Should the pulse be above 60 
beats per minute in the beginning, double the above dose 
and should they be above 75 treble, but only in the first 
instance. 

This is the only disease which has a limitation to the 
pulse. When the pulse reaches 85 beats per minute the 



7 8 



private; prescriptions 



patient has only 15 or 20 minutes to live unless he gets 
immediate relief. Then, when the pulse reaches 85 beats 
per minute, we have but one resource left and that is to tap 
the sufferer on the left side, half way between the end 
the last short rib and the point of the hip. It is very dan- 
gerous to tap a horse before the pulse reaches 85 beats per 
minute, for the colon has not reached the diaphragm. Ex- 
perts may tap on rig\ht side but I would not advise inex- 
perienced hand to try it. 



■*- I "" III .V I ". 




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. 






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Tapping the Horse for Wind Colic. 

In tapping a horse a trocar is the best instrument to use. 
Should you not have one, then use a knife # with a blade 
about two and a half inches long and a half inch wide 



AND LKCTURES 



79 



When incision is made I introduce a quill or something of 
the kind to permit the escape of gas. In tapping a horse at 
night some care must be used in not having a light too 
close to the animal, as the gas may be caught and cause 
considerable trouble. 

Rupture of the Stomach or Diaphragm 

Either of these may occur in violent cases of wind colic 




In Last Stage of Rupture. 

and both are fatal, this being the case we simply give 
cause and how to know it, without any treatment. 

Cause — In most cases this trouble is brought on by ex 



80 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

cessive generation of gases in wind colic, these gases dis- 
tending the stomach beyond its capacity, thus producing a 
rupture, or else forcing the colon up against and through 
the diaphragm. In rupture of the stomach the partially 
digested food and gastric juices are turned loose in the ab- 
dominal cavity, where in rupture of the diaphragm the in- 
testines are permitted to pass into the chest among the 
lungs and heart. Sometimes these ruptures are the result 
of violent kicks or blows about the abdomen and again 
from animal falling when stomach is full of food. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The patient will sit on his haunches like a dog, his nos- 
trils will be distended and his breathing labored, he will 
turn up his lip as though his stomach was nauseated, and 
appear as if trying to vomit, but this he can not do on ac- 
count of the peculiar formation of the stomach. The mus- 
cles of the legs will tremble and shake as if he was 
having a chill, his legs get cold and cold sweat breaks 
out in spots upon him. The pulse is very small and fast, 
and when it passes 85 beats per minute, death soon claims 
the patient. 

Constipation. 

When fecal matter in the intestines becomes dry and 
hard or from any cause resists the paristaltic efforts of the 
bowels to pass it on, or when paristaltic action is interfered 
with or suspended for a time and the fecal matter lays quiet 
in one place, there is to all intents and purposes an ob- 



AND LECTURES . , : _ 8 1 

struction formed. This condition is called constipation or 
costiveness. ■' ' 

Cause — It is due to a drying and hardening of matter in 
the bowels, which is brought about by there being an in- 
sufficient quantity of water present, this state being pro- 
duced by most of the water going to the kidneys, or horse 
not drinking enough. Again the cause may be from the 
liver and other glands not secreting enough of the typical 
juices necessary to supply nature's wants in the bowels. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

But little if any fecal matter will be passed, that, which 
is, will be dry and hard and will emit an extraordinary 
bad odor. The patient will show signs of having some 
colicky pains, which will be mild in the beginning; he 
may continue to eat and appear all right otherwise; but as 
trouble runs on, pains will become more frequent and more 
severe, resulting in inflammation of the bowels if not at- 
tended to. In constipation the pulse is full and regular, 
generally. 

what to do. " ; :• 

If the pulse is not above 50 beats a minute, and colick}- 
pains are not frequent give an injection of warm soap suds 
by way of the rectum and give internal^ this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Linseed Oil . 1 pint 

Nux Vomica, Tincture of . . . .2 drachms 

Aloes Rarbadoes 3 drachms 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat in 8 hours if bow- 



82 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

els have not moved. Keep tip injection ever}- hour 
with this until free action is obtained. Should pulse run 
as high as 60 beats to the minute and pains be of frequent 
occurrence use the following for relief: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Morphine, Sulphate of 2 grains 

Opium, Tincture of 1-2 ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 20 drops 

Mix and give at one dose in a pint of warm water, aud 
repeat every hour so long as indicated. 

Diarrhoea 

This is a watery discharge from the bowels and repre- 
sents the very opposite of constipation. 

Cause — It is often induced by the animal eating green or 
watery food in large quantities, and sometimes it is due to 
the present of an irritant in the bowels which produces 
excessive secretion of the intestinal juices. It may be 
brought about by the administration of large doses of pur- 
gative medicines, when it is, we call it super purgation. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is a watery discharge from the bowels, the patient 
becoming weak after this condition has prevailed for a 
time. The pulse will be found feeble and : weak, and the 
eyes and nose pale; the'patient grinds his teeth and refuses 



AND LECTURES 



his feed. The temperature of the body will, in all proba- 
bility be in the region of 95 ° ; should it run as low as 92 ° 
there is a strong probability of this trouble proving fatal. 



WHAT TO DO. 

If the cause of trouble be watery or green feed give a 
complete change of diet and use this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Alum, (powdered) 2 ounces 

Opium, (powdered) 2 drachms 

Mix and give one tablespoonful every 2 hours until four 
doses have been given. If this does not give relief in due 
time we can take it for granted that one of the latter causes 
is present or else we have a very obstinate case, and it 
becomes necessary to change our treatment to this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Chalk, Precipitated 1 ounce 

Ginger, (ground) 1-2 ounce 

Opium, (powdered) 1 drachm 

Ether, Sulphuric 1 drachm 

Starch water 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose, and repeat in 3 hours if neces- 
sary. Give starch or flour water to drink, but in small 
quantities and 3 or 4 hours apart. 



84 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Dysentery. 

This.; disease is very uncommon in the horse; it is what 
we sometimes call "blody flux," and is inflammatory in 
character ^affecting the large intestines. 

Cause — It is produced by the animal eating grasses from 
low lands which are unfit for food, or poor food of any 
kind, and hard work may be the cause. 

• HOW TO KNOW IT. 

It begins as a case of diarrhoea in most instances, the 
feces becoming bloody in appearance and it may be that 
shreds of the mucous membrane of the bowels will be pass- 
ed. The patient, will have some fever and appear greatly 
prostrated; the pulse will be quick and irritable and thirst 
will be. intense. : There. will be frequent and painful evacu- 
ation., •which; will increase in number and violence as the 
disease progresses, the fecal matters passed being very 
offensive;:.. ?zsJ- " •' 

WHAT TO DO. 

Place patient in a warm and dry, but well ventilated, 
stall and blanket; give starch or flour water in small quan- 
tities and food that is light and easily digested. Medicin- 
ally use this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Castor Oil 8 ounces 

Opium, Tincture of 1 ounce 



AND LE< TURKS 85 

Mix and give at one dose. In 3 or 4 hours begin the 
following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Alum (powdered) 1-2 ounce 

Opium (powdered) ..... . . 2 drachms 

Chalk (precipitated) 3 ounces 

Potash, Nitrate of 1 ounce 

Mix and divide into 5 powders, and give one every 2 or 3 
hours as indicated. 

Superpurgatiorv 

This condition is the result of the administration of a 
physic and occurs sometimes when every reasonable pre- 
caution has been taken to avoid it. 

Cause — Too large a dose of physic, driving a horse 
when purging or giving large quantities of cold water 
while physic is operating. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

When purgative medicine has been given and horse 
presents the symptoms which are attendant in diarrhoea, 
you may rest assured that he is suffering from an over- 
purge. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Treat as you would a simple case of diarrhoea. 



86 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Gut Tie 

In the human family this trouble is known as Invagina- 
tion or Intussusception; it is the falling or slipping of one 
gut or portion of it into another. It is rather uncommon 
in horses, but several cases have come under the observa- 
tion of the writer. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

First we find that patient has the symptoms commonly 
found in bowel troubles; colicky pains are present but 
they come on gradually; he looks around at his side, paws 
the earth and stretches out at full length; he lays down, but 
does not roll much and gets up and down very often. The 
pulse rises from 50 to 80 beats per minute and will be hard 
and wear}-. The legs get cold and cold sweat breaks out 
by the time pulse reaehes 70 beats per minute; after this the 
pulse is small and hard, the muscles tremble and death 
soon follows. 

WHAT TO DO. 

If the pulse should run as high as 50 beats per minute 
and patient should have any colicky pains when first 
symptoms are noticed, give him this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Linseed Oil ... 2 pints 

Aloes Barbadoes 3 drachms 

Nux Vomica, Tincture of . . . .1-2 ounce 
Mix and give at one dose and give injections into the 



AND LECTURES 87 

rectum of warm water every hour. Use hot water rugs on 
the belh'. If there is no apparent relief in 2 hours use 
this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Chloroform v. 3 drachms 

Aconite, Tincture of ....... 20 drops 

linseed Oil 1-2 pint 

Mix and give at one dose, and repeat every hour until the 

third dose has been given. Should patient appear thirsty 

give him all the water he wishes 

Inflammation of the Bowels. 

This is a disease which prevails at all seasons of the 
year and in every section of country; it is often mistaken 
for colic. 

Cause — In looking for a cause we find several things 
which produce a condition of this kind. It may be caused 
by another disease and a change of food may produce it, 
particularly from dry to green, or allowing too much green 
feed when animal is not accustomed to it. Feeding upon 
grain and driving hard immediate^ afterwards is conducive 
to such a condition. The horse catching cold is in some 
instances the cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

When fiirst taken the patient does not seem to be in 
much pain; he lies down and stretches out upon the 
ground, but does not roll much in the first stage. As the 



SS PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

pulse goes up to 60 beats a minute and above, the pains 
get harder and he rolls more. The pulse is the only 
means through which we can definitely distinguish this 
trouble from colic. In inflammation of the bowels the 
pulse gives forth two hard beats and a soft or intermediate 
beat; (see colics.) This is the only disease which pre- 
sents this character of pulse — hence we can not be mis- 
taken. . 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give the following internally: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Opium, Tincture of 3 drachms 

Digitalis, Fluid Extract of 6 drops 

Aconite, Fluid Extract of 15 drops 

Water, q. s. ad 6 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat every hour until pulse 
is on a stand still, or inclined to come down. Should 
the pulse run over 60 beats a minute the above dose should 
be doubled in the first instance, but never afterward. 

Intestinal Worms 

Innumerable kinds of worms are at times found in the 
intestines of horses, some being of little moment while 
others prove very injurious to the health of the animal 
harboring them. The treatment for all worms being the 
same we will do nothing more than to give the reader the 
symptoms and remedies, so as that he may detect the pres- 
ence of them and employ the proper treatment. 



AND LECTURES 89 

HOW TO KNOW WHEN THEY ARE PRESENT. 

A horse suffering from worms generally presents a "pot 




gutted" appearance, has a ravenous appetite usually, and a 
very dry, staring coat; he is in very poor condition, hide 
bound, and is particularly fond of salt. There will be 
switching of the tail and frequent evacuations with some 
straining, and the afflicted animal will often rub his rump 
against the fence or stall, and will sometimes pass worms in 
his dung. 

WHAT TO DO. 

In case of worms, the following has always proven ef- 
fectual with the writer: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Iron, Sulphate of 1 drachm 

Tartar Emetic 1 drachm 

Sage (pulverized) 3 drachms. 

Mix and give at a dose 3 times a day for 4 days, and 
then give this: 



90 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Turpentine 3 drachms 

Iyinseed Oil 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose, and follow with a good tonic 
for several days. 



CHAPTER V. 

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS 

Many diseases of these organs are quite common, and 
they are of equal importance in so far as the health of a 
horse is concerned with any of his many afflictions in other 
ways. Diseases of the urinary organs are very much more 
common where stock do not have free range than where 
they have it. This can be accounted for in only one way, 
and that is through the theory that an animal has a kind 
of instinct, or peculiar intelligence, which teaches him how 
to "doctor" himself if he can but get at the various grasses 
and herbs which contain the medicinal properties he needs 
in effecting a cure or warding off disease. If the reader 
will but study carefully the diseases treated under this 
head he will never be caught dosing a horse for colic or 
pleurisy when the trouble is in either the kidneys or the 
bladder. 

Inflammation of the Kidneys 

This trouble should always have our close attention from 
the fact that it is very deceptive in its actions; sometimes 
we ma}* think a horse on the high road to recovery with 
this disease and he will lie down and die in thirty minutes. 

Cause — The most common cause is from the use of very 
strong medicine when not indicated. Eating faulty food 



92 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

is a cause, and standing where water can drip on the loins 
sometimes produces it. Indigestion or any derangement 
of the digestive organs may be the cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The patient will get down and roll as if he had the colic, 
but does not seem to be in much pain until the pulse reach- 
es 50 or 55 beats per minute. When he rolls he exhibits an 
inclination to stop on his back, this is from the fact that the 
pressure of the bowels against the kidneys gives him some 
relief. By exerting pressure over the kidneys the patient 
will kinder flinch or give way, demonstrating that sore- 
ness is present, and he will stretch out as though he de- 
sired to urinate. The pulse will be found soft and regular. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First make sure of your diagnosis and then proceed with 
the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Linseed Oil 1 pint 

Aloes Barbadoes 3 drachms 

Nux Vomica, Tincture of 1 drachm 

Mix and give at one dose, and in thirty minutes begin this 

PRESCRIPTION 

Opium, Tincture of 1-2 ounce 

Nitre, Spirits of 1-2 ounce 



AND I,B TURES 93 

Cubebs, Oil of 1-2 drachm 

Aconite, Tincture of 20 drops 

Mix and give at one dose in a pint of warm water and re- 
peat every 40 minutes until pulse goes below 55 beats a 
minute; after this give it every hour if indicated. Give 
patient several days' rest. 

Congestion of the Kidneys 

This is a condition in which there is an excessive flow of 
blood to the kidneys, and in most instances it results in 
inflammation of these organs. 

Cause — Any interference with the working of the kid- 
neys may produce it. A common cause is the blood being 
heavily charged with fats, but it is by no means necessary 
that a horse must be fat in order to have this trouble; high 
feeding without sufficient exercise is a very prolific cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

If the horse is being worked the first sign we notice is 
the apparent stiffening of one of his hind legs, the other 
soon presenting the same peculiarity. The patient breathes 
hard, staggers, seems very weak in the loins, and finally 
drops down. (If he is' able to pass any urine at all it is 
thick and ropy and has a dark coffee color.) There will 
be swelling over the kidneys and patient will show signs of 
great pain when pressure is exerted upon them. There 
will be some colicky pains; the pulse will be strong and 
hard until it gets in the neighborhood of 80 beats a minute, 
when it becomes small and feeble. 



94 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

WHAT TO DO 

First empty the bladder as soon as possible by means of 
a catheter and use this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Opium, Tincture of . i ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of i drachm 

Nitre, Spirits of - . . . i ounce 

Potash, Nitrate of i ounce 

Water, q. s. ad 6 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful every two hours in a pint 
flax seed tea. Use injections of warm water in rectum 
every hour, and if bowels do not move inside of 3 hours 
give this as a purge: ■ 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Iyinseed Oil. 1 pint 

Aloes Barbadoes 3 drachms 

Mix and give at one dose. 

Inflammation of the Bladder 

This is by no means of common occurrence, yet it is very 
essential to us to be able to diagnose a case of it and know 
the remedies to be applied should we ever be called upon 
to treat it. 

Cause — Prolonged retention of the urine, too free use of 
diuretics, and in some instances the application of fly blist- 
ers over extensive surfaces, are the principal causes, 



AND LECTURES 95 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Frequent passages of urine in small quantities, with 
some mucous in it; straining and high fever are usually 
the symptoms we first notice. The patient will look 
around at his flanks and show other signs of pain. There 
will be marked tenderness when pressure is applied in the 
flanks. Bladder can be felt per rectum and is tender to 
the touch. The gait is stiff and straddling; the loins are 
rigid and the tail is constantly switched. 

WHAT TO DO. 

It depends upon the cause; if it be from diuretic medi- 
cines, stop or curtail their use, and if from fly blisters, re- 
move them. Always remember to empty the bladder by 
means of a catheter first, then give the following internally: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Opium, Tincture of i ounce 

Nitre, Spirits of i ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of i drachm 

Water, q. s. ad 3 ounces 

Mix and give at three doses an hour apart. Use the fol- 
lowing for several days: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Flaxseed Meal 1 6 ounces 

Gentian (powdered) '. .'. i ounce 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful 3 times a da}-. 



9 6 Private Prescriptions 

Spasm of the Neck of the Bladder 

This is a spasmodic closure of the neck of the bladder by 
contraction of the circular muscular fibers in this region. 
It is most common in the horse, but is by no means un- 
known in the mare. 

Cause — It is usually caused by retention of urine when 
patient is being driven or worked, that is, where animal is 
not allowed an opportunity to pass it off. The administra- 
tion of Spanish fly or the^application of large blisters and 
the use of dieuretics^when not indicated as well as stone in 
the bladder may be the cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The patient makes frequent and repeated attempts at 
passing water and if any is forced out it comes from severe 
strainning and in very small quantities. The sufferer will 
show signs of pain; he^willlook around at his flanks, both 
while standing and lying, and there will be|great [tender- 
ness at the lower and back part of the belly. By introduc- 
ing the hand into the rectum the bladder will be felt on the 
floor of the pelvis in a full and distended state. The pulse 
will beat small and regular. 

WHAT TO DO. 

I^et patient have such exercise as he or she, as the 
case may be, may like; use all means to induce passage of 
urine in the way of warm water injections into the rectum, 
and by the use of the catheter passed up the penis in the 



AND LECTURES 97 

horse. In case of patient being a mare all that is necessary 
is to insert a finger into the neck of the bladaer . Give 
an-ti-spasmodic prescriptions as this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Nitre, Spirits of . . . . i ounce 

Opium, Tincture of . . .... 2 drachms 

Aconite, Tincture of 20 drops 

Ginger, Extract of 1-2 ounce 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat every hour until relief 

is secured. 

Diabetes. 

This is a condition in which the kidneys seereir un ex- 
cessive amount of very clear urine, and is not very com- 
mon in the horse. 

Cause — Long continued cases of lung trouble and stom- 
ach troubles, which in most instances create a burning 
thirst, produce it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The patient exhibits a very great thirst and passes urine 
in excessive quantities, it being as clear as spring water; his 
appetite is lost and his coat looks rough and dry; he soon 
becomes hide-bound. Sometimes he shows an inclination 
to lick the wall of stable and eat his bedding in preference 
to clean food. We occasionally find the patient suffering 



98 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

from palpitation i 2 the heart along with general weakness 
and slight fever 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give a complete change of food and use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Iodine, Tincture of i drachm 

Gentian, Tincture of 2 drachms 

Mix and give at one dose in a pint of warm water and re- 
peat every day for 4 days. After the fourth day change 
treatment to this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Kpsom Salts 6 ounces 

Potash, Nitrate of ........ 3 ounces 

Soda, Bi-Corbonate of ....... 3 ounces 

Linseed Meal 6 ounces 

Gentian (Powdered) 1 ounce 

Mix and give one tablespoonful night and morning, and 
allow patient to run on pasture as much as possible. 

Paralysis of the Bladder. 

A condition of this kind seldom ever occurs, but when it 
does it becomes our duty so relieve it when possible. 

Cause- Long continued distention of the bladder from 
the urine being held too long. Diseases which confine a 



AND LECTURES 99 

horse to a lying position, such as rheumatism, broken 
limbs, etc., often are the cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The urine dribbles away as it is secreted and scalds the 
inside of the legs and sheath. The horse thus afflicted 
does not seem to suffer much pain, but a condition of this 
kind is very trying upon him, and we find some fever 
along with a soft and regular pulse. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Nitre, Spirits of 2' ounces 

Opium, Tincture of i ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 2 drachms 

Gentian Tincture of 1 ounce 

Water, q. s. ad S ounces 

Mix and give 2 tablespoonsful 3 times a day in a half pint 
of warm water. Allow food and drink in very sparing 
quantities. 

Eversion of the Bladder. 

Eversion is an affliction of the female alone and is of 
rare occurence. 

Cause — Protracted labor or straining is generally the 
cause, the bladder being forced back into the pelvis and 
turned inside out, 



TOO PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The bladder will be seen from the lower part of the Vul- 
va, and the entrance of the Uretes (tubes of the kidneys) 
can be plainly seen near the neck of the bladder with the 
urine dripping from them. 

WHAT TO DO. 

) 

First wash bladder clean in carbolized water, to which 
a little laudanum has been added, then place it back in its 
proper position, using sufficient care not to push the fingers 
through the walls of it. Should the temperature of pa- 
tient run up to 102 ° use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Nitre, Spirits of i ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 2 drachms 

Belladonna, Fluid Fxtract of . . .3 drachms 

Water, q. s. ad 6 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful 3 or 4 times a da} T . 

Rupture of the Bladder. 

Ivike many of the other diseases of the bladder this is 
also very uncommon. 

Cause — The bladder is sometimes ruptured by violent 
rolling on the part of a horse which has the colic, particu- 
larly when it has some obstruction in it or is filled with 
urine. This trouble occasionally occurs in females during 
parturition when the mare fails to empty her bladder be- 
fore labor begins. 



AND LECTURES IOI 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The animal will tremble all over the entire body, the 
pulse will be found weak and jerky and it will be run up to 
75 or 80 beats a minute directly the body will soon be- 
come cold and examination per rectum shows bladder 
empty. The introduction of a hypodermic needle into the 
middle of the belly will let out urine which can besmelled. 
Inflammation sets up among the viscera, and death is the 
result. 

WHAT TO DO. 

We can do nothing but relieve patient until death claims 
him. For relief we can use this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Morphine, Sulphate of 4 grains 

Water, q. s. ad 6 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat every hour. 

Bloody Urine 

This is a condition in which a horse passes blood along 
with the urine; it is of serious import. 

Cause — It is generally caused by violent treatment of 
animal through which the lions, kidneys or bladder may 
be affected. Cancer or abscess of the kidneys, and eating 
poisonous herbs may produce a condition of this kind. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The urine will be blood stained; the horse will be drowsy 



102 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



and without appetite and will lose flesh rapidly; his coat 
will be rough, dry and staring, and the pulse soft and 
regular with some fever. 



WHAT TO DO. 

In case of a profuse flow of blood, dash cold water over 
patient's back and loins, give flaxseed tea to drink 3 or 4 
times a. day in small quantities and use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Tincture, Muriate of Iron 1 ounce 

Tincture, Gentian 1 ounce 

Water, q. s. ad . . . . , 8 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful 3 or 4 times a day in a 

pint of cold water. 

Dribbling of the Urine. 

Some might think that a constant dribbling of the urine 
in paralysis of the bladder might constitute this disease as 
the sole cause of the dribbling, but such is not the case for 
we occasionally find it without the presence of any paralysis 
whatever. 

Cause — When not caused by paralysis it may be due to a 
weakness of or injury to the bladder, and again the cause 
may by calculi. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Upon examination it will be found that the horse thus 



AND LECTURES 103 

affected has no control over his urine; it dribbles from him 
continually. At times he will stretch out as though 
he has a desire to make water, but it will come only in 
very small quantities. 

WHAT TO D i 

If the trouble be brought about by the presence of cal- 
culi we must do our best to remove the cause. By the 
introduction of a catheter we can usually determine the 
prsence of a stone. In using catheter pass the hand into 
the rectum to guide the point over the curve. Give the 
following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Nitre, Spirits of 2 ounces 

Balsam Copaiba 1 ounce 

Alcohol, q. s. ad 8 ounces 

Mix and give one tablespoonful every 2 or 3 hours until 
patient is better. If the cause be a weakness or injury 
give a change of food and the following: 



PRESCRIPTION. 

Epsom Salts 6 ounces 

Linseed Meal 6 ounces 

Nux Vomica (powdered) .... 4 drachms 
Cinchona bark (powdered) .... 2 ounces 
Mix and give one tablespoonful 3 times a day . Keep pa- 
tient dry and comfortable. 



104 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Stricture of the Vrethra. 

This is a condition in which the urine is retarded or ob- 
structed in its passage through the Urethra by the forma- 
tion of a stricture in this passage. 

Cause — The causes are, irritating ingredients in the 
urine strong injections in cases of gonorrhoea, and contrac- 
tion of the lining membrane of the urethra which may oc- 
cur during the healing of ulcers in this canal. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The urine is passed in a small stream, the patient bemg 
a long time at ii, and showing by his actions that he is 
suffering some pain; he occasionally stands stretched out 
for some time as though he wished to urinate. This trou- 
ble is by some, who do not know any better, called 
"chronic gravel." 

WHAT TO DO. 

First, examine the end of the penis to see if the trouble 
is there; if no obstruction be found here, then pass in a 
catheter gently; this is to be done once or twice a da} r dur- 
ing treatment. Give patient the following which you can 
best prepare yourself: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Gather one gallon of prickly pear leaves, 
place them in three gallons of water and boil 
down until you have but one gallon left. 



AND LECTURES 105 

In mild cases give one pint of this fluid once per day, 
and in severe cases give it two or three times a day as indi- 
cated. 

Gonorrhoea.. 

This is an inflammation of the urethra and is mostly con- 
fined to stallions. 

Cause — Irritating substances in the urine, excessive 
capulation, connection with a newly delivered mare or one 
which has an irritating discharge from the womb, and in- 
jury to the penis in passing small stones may all be 
classed as causes. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

By soreness in the sheath and penis, both being swollen 
some. The patient will pass water in small jets, and will 
show that the act of urinating gives him pain. The head 
of the penis will be found sore and hot and there will be a 
discharge of pus. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Keep the bowels of the patient well open and bathe all 
the sore parts well with warm water once a day and follow 
with an injection into the penis of this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Lead, Acetate of 1-2 ounce 

Zinc, Sulphate of 3 drachms 

Water, q. s. ad . , v , . , . . .16 ounces 



o6 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



Mix and shake well, [inject an ounce or two once a day 
into urethra. After the sixth day change to this: 



PRESCRIPTION. 

Silver, Nitrate of 10 grains 

Morphine, Sulphate of 10 grains 

Water, q. s. ad 8 ounces 

Urinary Calculi. 

The corbonates of lime and magnesia are the principal 
components of the calculi of the horse, and they are due 
to a large proportion of vegetable acids in the food, these 
acids being transformed and uniting with the lime and 
magnesia of the blood, thus forming corbonates of either of 
these elements which are within themselves the calculi. 

Cause — The transforming of vegetable acids into corbonic 
and which in turn unites with the lime or magnesia of 
the blood of the system forming solid corbonates. By some 
it is thought that the drinking of hard water is a cause for 
calculi, and the reasons they advance for such opinions are 
good, but we will not attempt to discuss them. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Calculi in the kidneys and ureters produce colicky pains, 
a straddling gait, tenderness over the lions and sometimes 
blood in the urine. By introducing the hand into the rec- 
tum we may sometimes feel the calculus in the ureters. 
Calculi in the bladder often get into the urethra or outer 
passage and obstruct the flow of urine, in which case they 



AND LECTURES 1 07 

give rise to frequent straining efforts upon the part of the 
horse in his attempts at emptying the bladder. Under 
these conditions the urine passed comes in small jets with 
a sudden arrest of the flow. If the stone does not make its 
wa}' into the urethra the flow of the urine is checked, but 
blood in clots may be passed; which is a strong indication 
that the mucuous membrane or lining of fhe bladder has 
been wounded by the stone. The presence of a stone in 
the bladder of the male can be determined by means of an 
examination through the rectum. In the female it can be 
reached easily with the finger through the short urethra. 

WHAT TO DO 

In case the trouble be in the kidneys or ureters there is 
but little that can be done, aside from the administration of 
medicaments to relax the walls of the ureters and to re- 
lieve the pain. The following will prove efficacious: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Opium, Tincture of . 1 ounce 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . .2 drachms 

Aconite, Tincture of 1 drachm 

Water, q. s. ad 4 ounces 

Mix and give at two doses one hour apart. 

In case the calculus be in the bladder or urethra it can 
be removed by crushing it with forceps made for the pur- 
pose, and when crushed the bladder should be washed out 
thoroughly. For several days after this operation put a 
tablespoonful of bi-carbonate of soda in daily allowance of 
water. 



I08 . PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



Foul SheaJh 



The sheath of most horses at times becomes foul and 
needs cleaning. The glands in the region of penis secrete 
a fluid, which lubricates the parts, and it is sometimes se- 
creted in excessive quantities, and the result is an accumu- 
lytion of a black gummy substance in the sheath which 
should be removed. 

WHAT to do. 

Wash out the sheath thoroughly with warm water and 
castile soap, then dry the parts with a soft clean towel and 
depend upon nature to do the rest. Never put grease or 
oil in a sheate for they hold dust and trash thus making 
bad matters worse. 



CHAPTER V 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER 

Though the diseases of this organ are very few and sel- 
dom occur, yet it is of great importance to us that we 
should stud}' those which are of consequence and can be 
understood and treated successfully. We do not think 
that we would be justified in taking the reader's time and 
wasting a lot of valuable space in writing of something 
which can be of no practical worth — hence we present 
nothing under this head but "Inflammation of and Con- 
gestion of the Liver." One striking peculiarity with refer- 
ence to the liver of a horse is the absence of a gall bladder, 
this being the reason, no doubt, for the horse not being- 
troubled with some of the common diseases, such as 
gall stone, etc. 

Congestion of the Liver. 

This is a condition in which the blood vessels of the 
liver are engorged, and it is usually accompanied by an 
engorgement of many of the other internal organs. 

Cause — Over feeding without reasonable exercise, injuries 
on right side over liver and the presence of foreign bodies 
in it. The extension of inflammation from neighboring 
parts may produce such a condition. 



no Private prescriptions 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is a yellowishness of all visible mucous membranes, 
the horse appears dull and as if suffering from some intern- 
al pain. The feces are of a gray color, hard and very of- 
fensive, the urine is scanty and highly colored. Some- 
times there is lameness in the right fore-shoulder, and in 
some cases the patient is noticed grinding his teeth. 

WHAT TO DO. 
First give as a purge the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

I v inseed Oil i pint 

Aloes Barbadoes 6 drachms 

Calomel 1-2 drachm 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat in ^24 hours if neces- 
sary. When bowels have acted well begin with this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Cinchona Bark (Powdered) 1 ounce 

Foenugreek (Powdered) ...... 1 ounce 

Blood Root (Powdered) 2 ounces 

Mix and divide into 12 powders, and give one night and 

morning in soft feed. 

Infammation of the Liver, 

This disease, though rare, is sometimes met with and is 
generally in an old horse. It may affect the covering of 
the liver or its glanular portion. 



AND LKCTURES III 

Cause — The causes of inflammation are congestion and its 
causes. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

Inflammation of the liver presents many of the symptoms 
of congestion. There is a loss of appetite, the patient 
hangs his head and usually remains standing, the feces are 
of a dark reddish brown color and are covered with a slimy 
mucous matter and there is generally tenderness of the 
righi side. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give same purgative reccommended ill congestion, and 
when bowels have been thoroughly opened give the fol- 
lowing: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Potash, Chlorate of 2 ounces 

Water, q. s. ad 2 pints 

Mix and give eight tablespoonsful at a dose 3 times a 

day. 



CHAPTER VI. 

DISEASES OF THE BLOOD 

Under this head we will consider the general diseases of 
the blood alone, with those of contagious origin. 

Influenza. jvndPink Eye. 

These are one and the same and are identical with the 
"grip" in man. It is recognized as being a distinctly 
specific germ disease of an infectious character. 

Cause — It is supposed to be caused by the introduction 
into the system of a poison of a malarious nature. 

HOW TO KNOW IT- 

The first sign noticed is usually languor and weakness 
upon the part of the patient, followed by nervous prostra- 
tion in a few hours; he hangs his head, the ears droop, 
the mouth is hot, the eyes are red and in some cases swol- 
len, and in the corners of them is found a kind of matter. 
A high fever develops, the temperature running as high 
as 1 06 ° and possibly to 108 ° . The breathing is rapid aud 
is sometimes characterized by a snoring sound. The pulse 
is quick, hard and irritable. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give the patient good quarters, no drafts, pure air, and 
soft digestable food. L,eave the bowels alone, treat the 



AND tKCTURES 113 

heart mainly, look to your hygiene and depend upon na- 
ture for the rest. 

As a heart stimulant and tonic this will be found effica- 
cious: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Atropine 4 grains 

Brandy 1 pint 

Mix and give four ounces at a dose 3 times a day. 

Rheumatism, 

Rheumatism is a constitutional blood disease and is 
neither contagious nor infectious. 

Cause — It is due to accumulation in the system of 
some unnatural acid and usually follows other disorders — 
as influenza, chest affections and most acute troubles. It 
rarely appears without a forerunner. 

how to know IT. 

The first symptoms we generally notice is lameness, 
which is of a peculiar kind; there may or may not be swel- 
ling; when swelling is present the patient has more or less 
fever. The lameness is most generally flying in character, 
passing from one joint to another and from one leg [to the 
other. The joints usually affected are the hips, shoulders, 
knees and fet-locks. There is great pain and soreness upon 
pressure- The pulse is generally hard, rapid and small. 



14 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 



WHAT TO DO 



First bathe affected parts well for thirty minutes in warm 
water, dry thoroughly and rub in well the following 
liniment: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Arnica, Tincture of "... 2 ounces 

Opium, Tincture of 1 1-2 ounces 

Camphor, Spirits of 3 ounces 

Mix and apply to affected parts. Give internally this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Colchicum Seed (Powdered) . . . . 1 ounce 
Foenugreek Seed (Powdered) . .1-2 ounce 

Gentian (Powdered) 1 ounce 

Potash, Nitrate of . . . 1 ounce 

Mix and divide into 12 powders and give one night and 

morning in soft feed. 

Abscesses. 

An abscess is a sac of pus in the tissues. They are 
sometimes large, but as a rule not painful unless near a 
nerve center. 

Cause — Impurities in the blood from retaining in the sys- 
tem matter which should be eliminated either through the 
bowels, the kidneys or the skin. A blow, a kick or other 
injury may be the exciting cause, but the morbid condi- 



AND LECTURES. 115 

tion of the blood must be such as to favor the formation of 
an abscess ere one is produced. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

We find great swelling, which is hard in the beginning, 
but as it approaches full development becomes soft in the 
center, but remains hard on the outer edges. It is red, 
hot, and after a time is painful to touch. Abscesses may 
occur in almost any place upon a horse. 

WHAT TO DO. 

When the softening of the center becomes apparent, 
lance well with an eye to good drainage and wash twice 
per day with t_arbolized water. 

Glanders ai\d Farcy. 

These are the same disease but present themselves in 
different forms. When it affects the lymphatic glands be- 
tween the branches of the lower jaw and breaks out in the 
nose it is called the glanders. On the other hand when it 
attacks the glands and tissues of the legs and body it is 
called farcy. The virus from either will produce both. 

Cause — We know but little of its causes, however, it is 
fostered and extended by contagion . It sometimes arises 
apparently spontaneously in armies and on shipboard. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

An animal with acute glanders suffers from languor; 



n6 



PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



3 



D 



W 

(V 

P 
OQ 




AND LECTURES Iiy 

presents a dry staring coat, red weeping eyes, loss of appe- 
tite, elevated temperature, running up to probably 106 ° ; 
the pulse will be quick and breathing hurried. There 
will be a watery discharge from the nose which soon be- 
comes sticky and rather yellowish in appearance. The 
lining membrane of the nose becomes a grayish purple 
in color. At this stage the discharge from the nostrils will 
sink in water. The nostrils become ulcerated; yellowish 
points with purple bases make their appearance and burst, 
causing the discharge to become bloody for a time. These 
ulcers will spread and run together, eating away the tissues 
as they go. In the beginning the edges of these ulcers 
are elevated and the centers are depressed. As the disease 
progresses the discharge increases and a horrible odor is 
emitted. Ulcers finally form in th«: lungs, the breathing 
becomes labored and the ho se dies. 

Chronic glanders runs a less rapid course, but presents 
the same symptoms as acute, with the exception that the 
appetite is less affected, the discharge from the nose is less 
copious and a great deal less offensive. 

Farcy is distinguished by a swelling of the legs either 
one or all four of them. Nodules break out which dis- 
charge an unhealthy pus, these generally cure up in a few 
days leaving a bare spot to tell the tale. The swelling of 
the legs does not yield to treatment. Farcy always re- 
sults in glanders and terminates fatally. It is contagious. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Kill and burn the animal affected with either of these, 



Il8 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

quarantine all others which have been exposed, for at least 
sixty days, disinfect barn and clean up harness, halters, 
tie ropes, etc. 

CHAPTER VII. 
DISEASES OF THE HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS 

It is very difficult to diagnose the diseases of the heart, 
and but few of them are influenced b3 T treatment. For the 
sake of information rather than practical Utility, we give 
this chapter. 

Diseases of the Endocardium. 

The endocardium is a serous sac which sm rounds the 
heart and secretes a fluid which keeps the heart constantly 
lubricated. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

A horse with this trouble will stand around with no in- 
clination to move, he will allow his head to hang down 
and will appear as if suffering. The pulse will be high, 
and upon placing the ear over the region of the heart a 
harsh, rasping sound will be heard. 

WHAT TO DO 

The only thing we can do is to treat constitutionally 
with: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Nitre, Spirits of . . , , , . . . j 1-2 ounces 



AND LECTURES 1 19 

Aconite, Tincture of ....... 1 drachm 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . .2 drachms 

Gentian, Tincture of 1 ounce 

Potash, Nitrate of 1 ounce 

Ammonia, Muriate of .1 ounce 

Water, q. s. ad ■ . . . . 1 pint 

Mix and give four tablespoonsful every 2 or 3 hours 

Enlargement of the Heart. 

This is a condition in which the heart has increased in 
size, and it is generally confined to the left ventricle. It 
is by no means uncommon. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Our only means of diagnosis in this disease is mrough 
the pulse and temperature. The pulse will be irregular in 
its action with reference both to force and number of beats. 

The temperature will be very uneven, one side of the 
body being cold and the other hot, or one leg cold while 
the others are warm. 

WHAT TO DO 

Give patient gentle exerci.se and use the following: 
PRESCRIPTION 

Potash, Iodide of 1-2 ounce. 

Nux Vomica (Powdered) 1 ounce 

Foenugreek (Powdered) 1 ounce 

Blood Root (Powderrd) . . . 1 1-2 ounces 



120 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Mix and divide into 8 powders, and give one night and 
morning. 

Atrophy of the Heart 

In this trouble the walls of the heart become flabby and 
soft, a kind of wasting away as it were of the heart sub- 
stance. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There will be pallor of the mucous membranes, languor 
and emaciation. Tflfe pulse will be weak and irregular, 
and often misses two or three beats at a time. 

WHAT TO DO 

Use the following 3 or 4 weeks: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Nux Vomica ( Powdered) 2 ounces 

Iron, Sulphate of " .... 2 1-2 ounces 

Foenugreek 2 ounces 

Sassafras Bark . . . .2 1-2 ounces 

Mix and divide into 16 powders and give one night and 

morning. 

Aneurism 

This is a dilatation of an artery, brought about through 
the weakening of the artery wall, it being subjected to the 
powerful pressure of the blood from the heart's action. 



AND LKCTURES 121 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 



An enlargement or bulge, and distinct pulsations are ob- 
served when there is an aneurism. The aneurism is soft 
and compressible. 

WHAT TO DO. 

In case it be the large arteries in the abdominal cavity 
nothing can be done, but if an aneurism appears on the 
outside of the body apply ice or cold water and a compress 
to the swelling. 

Thumps 

This is a peculiar spasmodic action of the heart, and is 
brought about by over exertion. It is most likely to occur 
in summer. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The heart thumps away as if it wanted to get out, often 
shaking the entire body, the patient usually sweats freely 
and puts on an anxious expression as if in distress; the 
breathing is labored. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give the patient rest and stimulate the heart's action 
with this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Brandy 3 ounces 



122 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Digitalis, Fluid Extract of 6 drops 

Opium Tincture of 2 drachms 

Water, q. s. ad 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat 3 or 4 times a day for 

several days. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTFM. 

The . nervous system of the horse is highly developed, 
approaching in many respects that of man; this being the 
case he is more liable to brain affections and nervous dis- 
orders than any of the other domestic animals. 




Inflammation of the Brain. 

This is a very common trouble in the horse and we 
should study it closely. It is very essential to us that we 
secure well the patient for he generally struggles most vio- 
lent^- during his mad fits. 

Caust — The cause is by no means always apparent, but 



124 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

it is generally supposed to be due to extension of fever. 
Blows upon the head may produce it, and again it's being 
more prevalent in summer than in winter, gives color to 
the theory that exposure to the burning sun for long 
periods may be a prolific cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The patient is apparently prostrated, the mucous mem- 
branes are very red, those of the eye being particularly so; 
the pulse and respiration are both quickened and the bow- 
els are constipated. There is a peculiar delirium at first 
followed by stupidity. The patient will be noticed plac- 
ing his head against the wall as if to brace himself; he will 
occasional^ eat and while doing so will sometimes doze off, 
when awakened he will move around and paw the ground, 
then lay his head against the wall and doze again. A 
horse may go on in this way for several days, the fits, 
however, becoming more violent at every recurrence, 

WHAT TO DO. 

First give the following as a purge: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

linseed Oil i pint 

Aloes Barbadoes 6 drachms 

Calomel 15 grains 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat in 12 hours if neces- 
sary. 

To reduce the fever use this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Belladonna, Fluid Fxtract of . . ,2 drachms 



AND LECTURES 1 25 

Aconite, Tincture of .1 drachm 

Water, q. s. ad 4 ounces 

Mix and give one tablespoonful every hour until pulse 
comes down to 45 beats a minute. After this is done give 
the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Potash, Bromide of 1 drachm 

Warm Water 1-2 pint 

Mix and give at one dose 3 times a day for 4 or 5 days, 

then use a good tonic for a couple of weeks. 

Meningitis 

Meningitis is of rare occurence, difficult to treat, and a 
horse affected with it seldom recovers. 

Cause — A general plethorie condition brought about in 
most instances by high feeding and but little work or exer- 
cise. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

At first the patient seems dull and listless, then he reels 
and stumbles and sometimes falls. The respiration is rapid 
and the pulse becomes quick and full; the pupils of the 
eyes are dilated and there is a very noticeable twitching 
of the muscles of the neck and head. At first patient is 
very nervous, but as disease progresses blindness and 
deafness set in and he notices no more. 



126 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

WHAT TO DO. 

Appty ice poultice to the head and give same purge as 
recommended in inflammation of the brain. Give bromide 
of potash in three drachm doses 3 times a day. 

Apoplexy. 

This condition is brought about by sudden pressure upon 
the brain when a horse is healthy in other ways. 

Cause- Anything which produces pressure on the brain. 
A horse exerting himself in a collar which is too small, 
causing a rush of blood to the head, is a very common 
cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The horse staggers and falls, froths at the mouth and is 
insensible. There is a peculiar paralysis with twitching of 
the muscles. The respiration stops for a short time and 
occasionally there is a hemorrhage from the nostrils. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Remove collar instantly and give patient a chance to 
breathe. Bathe the head freely with cold water and suf 
ferer will be all right in a few minutes. 

Lock-jaw or Tetanus 

This is a condition in which the whole nervous system is 
in a state of extreme excitement, the motor, sensory and 
sympathetic systems all being involved. 



AND LECTURES I 27 

Cause — It maybe brought about by overheating, worms 
in the intestines, or a common cold, but the most prolific 
cause is a wound, such as a nail in the foot, castration and 
wire cuts. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Lock-jaw is so well known by almost every one tnat it 
seems needless for me to say much about its symptoms. 
First there is extension of the head and difficulty in chew- 
ing, and upon examination it will be found that the mouth 
cannot be opened to its full extent. There is general stiff- 
ness and fixedness in the manner of standing. By raising 
the head more of the haw of the eye and less of the eye 
itself will be seen. Elevating the head causes great nervous 
excitement upon the part of the patient, increasing the 
spasms of the neck and jaws. The nostrils are dilaied and 
the legs and ears are stiff. The muscles are hard and pa- 
tient sweats profusely. In the course of 12 hours the jaws 
usually become completely locked. 

WHAT TO DO 

Relax the system by giving hj-podermic injections of the 
following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Morphine, Sulphate of 2 grains 

Atrophine 1 grain 

Water, q. s. ad 1 drachm 

Mix and give at one dose hypodermically, and repeat every 



128 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

3 hours until muscles are relaxed. At the same time force 
patient to inhale sulphuric ether from a towel, allowing 
fresh air along with it. If cause be from a wound treat 
this also in a rational way. 

Sun Stroke. 

Sunstroke is quite common in some parts of the country, 
particularly in the cities. 

Cause — Exposure to the hot sun and over exertion in hot. 
weather. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The horse is sweating and suffering from heat, when 
suddenly he stops and sweat dries off, then he begins to 
stagger, becomes weak, stupid and deaf. The surface of 
the body will be hot; the breathing is labored and the pa- 
tient soon falls in an uuconscious condition. 

WHAT TO DO 

Throw cold water over patient until he is^ thoroughly 
cooled off, then give this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Brandy 1-2 pint 

Water 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose and in 2 hours give patient just a 

half dose more. 



Blind St^g^ers 



129 



Thin is one of the most serious of all brain troubles, and 
it is thought by some that the usefulness of the animal is 
impaired, even though he survives the trouble. The ex- 
perience of the writer is sufficient to justify the assertion 




that if the proper remedies are promptly employed, a horse 
can pass through the "blind staggers" and come out as 
sound and healthy as though he had never had them. 
Cause— -Rupture of the meningeal blood vessels. 



130 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

PIOW TO KNOW IT. 

The first symptom usually noticed is drowsiness upon the 
part of the horse, he will hang his head, his breathing 
will be hard and gait straddling; in leading he will go to 
one side, and if left free will lean against almost anything. 
As disease progresses he will be hard to manage, becoming 
violent at intervals. The pulse will be soft and regular, 
running from 50 to 80 beats per minute. The temperature 
will run from 103 ° to 105 ° . 

WHAT TO DO. 

First bleed the patient from the nasal veins These can 
be readily found with the knife by passing it through from 
the outside just under the point of the nasal bones. The 
blood will pass out the nostrils and continue to flow from 
25 to 40 minutes. There is no danger in this, so allow pa- 
tient to bleed all he will. In one hour after bleeding give 
this as a purge: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Iyinseed Oil .......' 1 pint 

Aloes Barbadoes . . 6 drachms 

Mix and give at one dose, and if bowels do not move in 12 
hours repeat it. To control fever use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Aconite, Fluid Extract of 1 drachm 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . .2 drachms 



AND LECTURES 



131 



Water, q. s. ad 4 ounces 

Mix and give one tablespoon ful every hour until pulse 




runs down to 50 beats a minute. After this give quinine 
in one drachm doses twice a day for 3 or 4 days. 



Loco Poisoning 

This is a peculiar condition of the brain produced by an 
animal feeding upon the dreaded loco-weed. 



132 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

A locoed horse has fits of delirium, which begin in a 
mild way, but keep increasing in severity until the animal 
becomes wild and unmanageable, he becomes crazy, rear- 
ing and plunging until finally he goes down and dies in 
convulsions. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Treatment is useless, but Bromide of Potash in one 
drachm doses might be resorted to to quiet the nervous 
system. 



CHAPTER IX. 

DISEASES OF THE EYE 

Diseases of the eye are by no means so common in the 
horse as in the human family, but some of them are of 
much-moment to the owner when the usefulness of the ani- 
mal is taken into consideration. Any defect of the eye de- 
tracts largely from the value of a horse in the estimation of 
dealers, hence it is of the utmost importance that we study 
carefully some of the more common affections of this organ. 

Moon Blindness. 

In the great west multitudes of good horses lose their 
powers of seeing through the baneful influences of this 
disease. 

Cause — The cause is an hereditary one. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is a swelling of the whole eye and all the parts sur- 
rounding it; it is closed or nearly so; the mucous mem- 
brane is very red, the tears run down the cheek and a whit- 
ish pus may be observed in the lower portion of the eye. 
In a few days the inflammation subsides, but the pupil will 
appear ragged, and in the course of a month or two the 
trouble recurs in a more aggravated form. The trouble 



134 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

continues to recur and eventually results in a cataract; 
when this occurs tne trouble subsides. It may affect either 
one or both eyes at the same time. 

WHAT TO DO. 

This trouble cannot be cured, but can be alleviated by 
using cold applications, keeping patient in a dark place, 
and seeing that the bowels are kept well open. 

Gl&ss Eye. 

This is a paralysis of the optic nerve with no alteration 
of the structure of the eye, aside from the loss of. power 
of seeing. 

Cause — Injuries to the brain and pressure upon the optic 
nerve are the most common causes, but it may be the re- 
sult of very high fevers. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The ey^ thus affected usually presents a white, glassy 
appearance. It may be present in one or both eyes. In 
many cases the sight of the animal is seriously involved. 

WHAT TO DO 

Treatment is valueless as a cure can not be hoped for. 

Inflammation of the Iris. 

This is an inflammation of that portion of the eye form- 
ing the pupil of it and giving color to it. 



AND LECTURES 135 

Cause — Constitutional disorders, exposure to and facing 
severe winds, extremes of light and darkness, etc. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

A pink ring is seen .around the white coat forming the 
back part of the eye, the haw is drawn up, the eye 
being retracted and partially closed. There is considerable 
inflammation, and the pupil is very small. The aqueous 
humor becomes turbid, and in the anterior chamber it will 
be noticed that white flakes are floating. 

WHAT TO DO 

Cover eyes of patient with a dark cloth and place jaini in 
a darkened stall. See that bowels are well open and bathe 
the eye with warm water and use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Zinc, Sulphate of 2 grains 

Morphine, Sulphate of . . . ... 4 grains 

Water, q. s. ad 2 ounces 

Mix and drop a few drops into the eye 3 or 4 times a day. 

Cataract 

This condition represents the most common termination 
of all the inflammatory diseases of the eye. 

Cause — The cause is in almost every instance a pre- 
ceding disease of the eye. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The trouble is so plain as to be easily recognized The 



136 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

pupil is filled with white lymph and is dilated very much. 
Examine eye 111 dark stall with a candle; if you find three 
reflections there is no cataract, but if one or two of them 
are blurred or wanting, you can be sure of the trouble. 

In recent cases a strong purge with the following appli- 
cation to the eyes may clear them up. 

PRESCRIPTION 

Copper, Sulphate of 3 grains. 

Water, q s ad 2 ounces. 

Mix and apply to eye twice per day. In the latter stages 
of this disease nothing can be done of benefit. 

Weeping Eyes 

This is an obstruction of the tear duct, which is a small 
tube or passage leading from the floor of the eye into the 
nostril. 

Cause — Extension of inflammation in catarrh is general- 
ly the cause, but anything which closes the tear duct or 
causes it to be closed is sufficient to produce this condition 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The eyes look very weak and tears are constantly flowing 
over the cheek. It may be confined to one eye, and 
again both may be affected. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Examine the nasal opening of the tear duct and if there 



' And lectures 137 

should be any obstruction remove it. If there be no me- 
chanical obstruction throw about a tablespoonful of pul- 
verized ginger into the nostrils, this will produce a fit of 
sneezing the force of which will open duct. 

Tom Eye Lids 

This should, to come in properly, be placed under the 
head of operations, but for the sake of convenience we 
treat it in a brief way here. 

Frequently the eyelids are torn by being,- caught on 
snags, nails, hooks, etc., and when possible we should al- 
ways sew them up. Use fine silk thread, bring the severed 
edges neatly and evenly together and make fine stitches 

Dress wound twice per day with carbolized water. 



CHAPTER X. 

PARASITIC TROUBLES AND EXTERNAL AFFEC 
TIONS OF THE BODY. 

In this chapter we will consider, the few parasitic dis- 
eases which are of consequence, and the numerous conse- 
quences, accidents and external diseases which are of im- 
portance to the reader. 

Lice. 

These insects or parasites always impoverish the animal 
they infest. All horses suffer from their ravages at times 
more or less. 

HOW TO GET RID OF THEM. 

The following has proven very effective in the hands of 
the writer: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Oil of Sassafras 3 ounces 

Oil of Cedar 1 ounce 

Mix and apply w r ith sponge or woolen cloth to all parts in- 
fested by lice. 

Mange. 

This is also a parasitic trouble, and there are two kinds 
of the parasite, but the preparation which destroys one ef- 



AND LECTURES 139 

fectually gets rid of the other, so we do not go into any 
further explanation along this line. 

HW TO KNOW IT. 

There is intense itching, followed by rubbing upon the 
part of affected horse, and the more he rubs the worse the 
itching seems to get. The hair comes off in patches and 
the skin becomes rough, pimply and scaly, and gets quite 
raw at times. Mange usually affects the neck and head 
first; it is contagious. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First wash patient, cleansing him thoroughly, with soap 
and water, then use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Oil of Tar 4 ounces 

Oil of Cedar 1-2 ounce 

Sulphur 4 ounces 

Linseed Oil, q. s. ad 1 pint 

Mix and apply to every affected spot. 

Ringworm. 

The trouble is the result of filth and poverty; it is con- 
tagious and is a kind of vegetable parasitic growth. . 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

First we notice a circular, scruffy patch, the hairs of 
which may be erect, bristly, broken or split up and drop- 



14° PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

ping off. Later affected spot becomes entirely bald, with 
hair surrounding it as above described. This bald spot 
grows, maintaining a circular outline. It usually appears 
upon the back, loins, chest and head. 

WHAT To DO. 

Bathe off affected parts with soap suds, and paint with 
tincture of Iodine twice a day for ten days. 

Itchy Ta.il. 

This is an itchy condition of the root of the tail. 
Cause- Worms in the rectum, filth or some parasitic 
trouble. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

By the actions of afflicted animal; he will be continually 
rubbing his tail against anything he can reach. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Wash root of tail with soap and water and use the fol- 
lowing: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Olive Oil * ' ' 3 ounces 

Carbolic Acid ...,,,.,. i drachms 
Mix and apply once a day. 



AND LECTURES 141 

Itchy Skirv. 

This is an itchy condition of the skin all over the body, 
and a horse afflicted with it sometimes becomes frantic from 
the annoyance, worry and pain. 

Cause — When not due to lice or mange it is a form of 
surfeit, and. is caused by a heated condition of the body. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

A horse with this trouble is continually rubbing, scratch- 
ing and biting himself. 

WHAT TO D"> 

Give an oleaginous purge and follow with a vinegar 
bath; when this is done give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Epsom Salts 6 ounces 

Gentian (Powdered) ■ . . 1 ounce 

Potash, Nitrate of 2 ounces 

Linseed Meal 4 ounces 

Mix and give one tablespoonful night and morning. 

Surfeit 

This simply represents a condition in which nature 
makes an effort to throw off effete matter and get rid of 
superfluous heat. 

Cause — High living: with but little exercise. 



&' 



142 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Some times there is itching and again there is none. 
The skin is rough and scabby, and sometimes there are 
blotches which may disappear in a few days or scab over . 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give a good purge, a change of. feed and plenty of ex-, 
ercise. 

Hide Bound. 

This is a generally unthrifty condition and is not a dis- 
ease within itself, but is the result of some derangement of 
the system. 

Causc^-lt may be due to exposure to cold, starvation, 
indigestion, diseased teeth, etc. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The hair is turned the wrong way and the skin is tight 
on the body, dirty and full of dandruff and the animal is 
usually thin in order. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Make a thorough examination for t le cause and remove 
it when found. Give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Acid, Nitric 3 drachms 

Soda, Bicarbonate of 2 ounces 



AND LECTURES I 43 

Potash, Nitrate of ........ 3 ounces 

Antimony, Block 3 ounces 

Asafoetida (gum) 3 ounces 

Mix thoroughly and give one tablespoonful a day for 3 
days, then every other day until four doses are given in 
this way. This should be followed by good tonic. 

Eczema.. 

This is simply a scalded condition of the back of an 
animal and is generally due to carlessness. 

Cause — A horse getting wet and the hot sun coming out 
scalding his back. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The skin over back, neck, hips and sometimes sides and 
belly is covered with scabs as thick as they can stand. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Shelter patient from sun and rain and he will be all 
ri^rht in the course of time. 



& 



WaLi-ts 

Warts may come 011 any part of the body. They are 
generally tough and hard but may be soft and bleed easily. 
Usually they possess but little vitality. 

Cause — They seem to be of spontaneous origin. 

WHAT TO DO 

If wart be anywhere except direct'y over an artery cut 
t off smooth with the body; and use the following: 



144 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

PRESCRIPTION 

Acid, Arsenious 2 drachms 

Acacia, (Gum) 1 drachm 

Cocaine, Hydrochlorate 18 grains 

Mix and add sufficient water to make a thick paste Bind 
a small amount of this to c urface of wart and allow it to 
remain two days; after this apply vaseline. If after three 
or four days it appears that wart is not killed, go tjhrough 
same treatment again. 

Saddle Galls 

This is a condition in which the skin is rubbed off the 
back in spots, leaving raw sores, and is the same as collar 
and harness sores when it comes to treatment. 

Cause — Badly fitting saddle-back, scalded with sweat, etc. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Bathe affected spots with warm water and castile soap, 
then use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Sulphur 1 ounce 

Alum, (powdered) 1 ounce 

Calomel 10 grains 

Mix and apply to sore once a day 

Sit-FaLS<s. 

These are large tumor-like lumps on the back. 



AND LECTURES 1 45 

Cause — They are the result of saddle galls not being 
properly treated. 

WHAT TO DO 

Take a sharp knife and cut them out then treat as a 
simple wound. 

Poll Evil. 

This is an abscess or fistulous sore affecting the bones of 
the neck near the poll. 

Cause — Any bruise or blow near the top of the head is 

liable to produce this condition. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is always some swelling and a flow of pus which 
is seen running down the side of the neck. This pus has 
a disagreeable odor, and when the bone is affected we ob- 
serve the. odor characteristic of caries. In a week or two 
pipes, as we call them, form, getting thicker and thicker 
all the time. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First open the fistulous sore with a knife, making a free 
incision, then use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Copper, Sulphate of 3 drachms 

Water, q. s. ad 8 ounces 

Mix and inject into sore twice a day for 6 days, then change 

to this: 



146 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Zinc, Sulphate of ........ 6 drachms 

Lead, Acetate of 1 ounce 

Water, q. s. ad 1 pint 

Mix and inject as above and for the same length of time. 

Fistula of the Withers. 

The word ''Fistula" is applied to any ulcerous lesion 
upon the external surface of the body. Fistula may exist 
in any part of the body. If we have a case of the Poll Evil, 
that is Fistula of the poll; the same will apply to Quittor 
and should have about the same treatment. 

Cause — This condition is produced by the Withers get- 
ting bruised from other stock biting them, or bruised by 
the collar or saddle; or the horse rolling on a stone or 
some hard substance may cause it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

In the beginning there is an enlargement of the withers. 
At that time it will be hard and hot and painful to the 
touch. If it has been there for some time it may be rilled 
with germ, and will feel soft and not very sore to the 
touch. 

WHAT TO DO. 

In case hard, painful swelling is observed, the trouble 
may frequently be aborted. To do tills, it requires both 
general and local treatment. At first a physic should be 



AND LECTURES 147 

given — the physic that is given in Blind Staggers. Then 
give him this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Nitrate Potash 2 ounces 

Sulphate, Iron of . 1 1-2 ounce 

Gentian (Powdered) 1 ounce 

Mix, divide into 12 powders and give one, night and morn- 
ing, then local application of cold water to the hot swollen 
spot for an hour at a time 3 or 4 times a day. This very 
often prevents Fistula from coming and gives the patient 
great relief. 

In course of 4 or 5 days, if this fails to give relief and 
the parts are swollen and hard to the touch, puncture the 
swollen place fifteen or twenty times with some sharp in- 
strument, being careful not to go further than through the 
hide. When this is done, use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Oil of Cedar . 1 1-2 ounces 

Oil, Sassafras 2 ounces 

Strong Ammonia 3 drachms 

Camphor, (Gum) 1-2 ounce 

Turpentine, Spirits of 2 ounces 

Alcohol 3 ounces 

Mix and rub in well night and morning. If this blisters 
much, grease with hog's lard once a day. If a discharge 
has made its appearance, and little pipes have formed, take 
a probe and make an examination of the opening to find 



148 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

the direction and the depth of the opening, and at the 
same time see if there is any foreign substance in it, such 
as a fragment of bone from the spine of the vertebra or a 
disease of the same. If you find any loose bone or any 
thing else, remove it with forceps. You will always find 
where the bone is affected the pus that runs from the place 
has a very bad odor. After you have removed the piece of 
bone, if there should be any, tnen take a strip of some kind 
of soft white cloth and saturate it in Butter of Antimony. 
Let the strip be 10 or 12 inches long and about 1-2 inch 
wide. Press it into the opening, then draw it out in 15 or 
20 minutes. Then put another one in and let it stay 24 
hours, then take it out and wash it out with this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Sulphate Zinc 1-2 ounce 

Sugar of Lead 1 ounce 

Alum 1 ounce 

Water .1 pint. 

Mix and wash out the opening once a day for 3 or 4 days. 
If there is any little pipes in the place, use another appli- 
cation of the Antimony. Keep the withers well oiled with 
hog's lard to keep the medicine from taking the hair off of 
the withers and shoulders. 

After it is healed up, if there is an enlargement there, 
use this to take it down. 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Cantharides (Powdered) .... 3 Drachms 

English Rosin 1-2 ounce 

Hog's Lard 3 ounces 



AND LECTURES- 149 

Mix, and rub in well. Let it stay for 32 hours and wash 
off with warm water and soap. In five days apply again 
and so on until it is gone down. If it is a long standing 
case, give the tonic powder that is prescribed in Laryngitis. 

Caries. 

This is simply an ulceiation of the bone. 
Cause — Wounds of any character affecting the bones are 
liable to be followed by it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

We know it by the odor emitted, which is the same 
as that of decayed teeth. There is always considerable 
swelling and the bone feels rough to the finger. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Make an opening with a view to drainage, allowing a 
free escape of pus, scrape diseased surface of bone well 
with a dull instrument and use this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Acid, Hydrochloric 4 drachms 

Water, q. s. ad 1 pint 

Mix and dress parts twice a day with it until bone heals, 

then treat as a simple wound. 

Necrosis. 

By Necrosis is ment the death of bone. 

Cause — It is caused by caries and is a result of it. 



150 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

We find a fistula discharging offensive pus and pieces of 
dead bone, the discharge excoriating the surface over 
which it passes. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Make a free opening to allow escape of pus and dead 
bone, and remove the latter as rapidly as possible. Keep 
parts clean and use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Acid, Carbolic 1-2 ounce 

Olive' Oil 1-2 pint 

Mix and apply to parts by means of cotton or soft, clean 

cloth. 

Wire Cut. 

In some instances wire cuts, if not properly treated, de- 
stroy the usefulness of a horse, and in other cases we may 
do our best and not be able to over come the damage done. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

Cleanse thoroughly and often with carbolized water and 
use the following liniment twice a day: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Turpentine 6 ounces 

Camphor Gum 3 ounces 



AND LECTURES 151 

Raw Eggs No. 3 

Vinegar q. s. ad ' 2 pints 

Mix by dissolving camphor in turpentine then add eggs 
and shake thoroughly, when this is done, add vinegar. In 
case wound is of sufficient moment to require stitching do 
this with an eye to drainage at its lowest point. 

Dropsy. 

Dropsy is the result of a peculiar condition of the system 
rather than a disease itself, and is ordinarily the result of 
some disease of the kidneys. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The legs, belly and sheath swell and there is indifference 
to food, weakness and [emaciation with languor and palor 
of the mucous membranes. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Get at the cause and remove it. Tonics which affect the 
kidneys directly are indicated. 

Rupture. 

We have different kinds of rupture depending upon the 
place in which the breaking away of the parts which con- 
tains the bowels takes place. 

Cause — Umbilical rupture is from a natural defect, while 
all the rest are from blows, kicks, strains, etc. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

We find a soft puffy enlargement on a surface which 



I 52 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

should be smooth, and it can readily be pushed back, but 
will remain only so long as pressure is maintained. In the 
scrotum we find scrotal rupture. Inguinal rupture is 
found in the groin or flanks, and so on. Rupture is in some 
cases attended by serious results in the way of gut strangu- 
lation, inflammation of the bowels, mortification and death. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Push gut back and make an incision ; sew up opening in 
abdominal walls with cat gut sutures, and treat your open- 
ing through skin and tissues in the same manner, using 
silk sutures. When operation is complete inject hypoder- 
mically in two or three places around incision and about 
an inch from it a strong solution of common salt. This is 
done in order that swelling sufficient may be produced to 
aid in supporting intestines until the walls of the abdomen 
begin to heal. 



CHAPTER XII. 

AFFECTIONS OF THE LEGS. 

In this chapter we will consider all the important diseases 

and accidents of the legs, from the fetlock to the body of 

the horse. 

Wmdgalls. 

These are soft swellings around the fetlock, and may put 

in their appearance upon either leg of the horse. 

Cause- They are caused by severe labor or strain. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Windgalls are easily detected as the)' are simply puffy 
swellings about the ankle, and are usually about the size 
of a man's thumb. They are filled with oil instead of air 
as many think. 

WHAT TO DO 

First use the following : 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Cantharides (Powdered) 2 drachms 

English Rosin 1-2 ounce 

I^ard 2 ounces 

Mix and apply to windgalls, allowing it to remain for four- 
teen hours. After this keep it well oiled, bandaging it at 
night. 



154 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Scratches. 

This is a condition in which chaps and cracks present 
themselves around the heels and in the hollow of the 
pastern 

Cause — Snow, slush, ice and mud are the principal 
causes 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Cracks and chaps extend in all directions around the 
heels and up the legs. The skin in the hollow of the pas- 
tern is swollen, very painful, and is hot to the touch. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Wash the legs in warm water, removing all mud and dry 
dirt, dry them carefully, and use the following : 

PRESCRIPTION 

Vaseline . 2 ounces 

Alum (Powdered) • • • ... . 2 drachms 
Mix thoroughly and apply twice per day. 

Grease Heel 

This is an inflammation of the deeper layers of the skin 
of the heel, and resembles scrathes very much. 

Cause — Neglected scratches and a generally bad condi- 
tion of the blood. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is an offensive, greasy matter oozing from the 
pores of the®legs, thes- being swollen to the knees. If neg- 
lected proud flesh puts in its appearauce through the open- 



AND LECTURES 155 

ings made by the pus, and if neglected farther, swelling 
can never be reduced. 

WHAT TO DO. 

IvOok to the bowels first, and if the}' are not well open 
give purge recommended in pneumonia, and when they 
have been moved off begin tonic powders prescribed in lar- 
yngitis: Bathe heels in warm water and apply this : 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Linseed Oil 8 ounces 

Camphor Gum 1-2 ounce 

Oil of Tar 4 ounces 

Mix and apply to heels once a day. 

Cocked Ankle. 

This is a condition in which a horse is from some cause 
inclined to rest his heels on the lower back part of his legs. 
Cause — Sprains, bruises of the heel, corns, etc. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The heels are raised, the ankle joint is thrown forward 
and there is no soreness. 

WHAT TO DO 

Seek out cause and remove it is sufficient for a cure. 
R.in£-Boi\e. 

This is simply a bony enlargement on the pastern. 



I56 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Cause— Any injury which sets up an inflammation on or 
near the pastern may produce it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

We can feel it plainly around the pastern either in lumps 
or a ring running entirely around, and it may seem as if 
spread out on the bone. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give patient absolute rest and use this liniment: 

PRESCRIPTION . 

Mercury, Bichloride of 1 ounce 

Camphor Gum 3 drachms 

Ammonia Aqua 2 drachms 

Turpentine q, s* ad 8 ounces 

Mix and apply to pastern once a day until well blistered, 
then grease with lard until scab falls away then blister 
again. 

Splint. 

Splint is an enlargement of the bone between the knee 
and pastern joint. It causes no serious trouble unless near 
a joint. 

Cause — Bruises of any kind which sprain the ligament- 
ous attachment between the cannon and the splint bones. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. • 

If near a joint some lameness is produced. Splint is 



And lectures 157 

simply a long bony lump found usually on the inside of 
the cannon bone. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Treat just as you would ring bone. 

Bone Spa.vii\. 

By bone spavin is meant a condition in which there has 
been a leakage of the joint oil with ossification of it. 
Cause — The cause in almost every case is a strain. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

We find a peculiar lameness which is very noticeable 
when the patient has been driven and allowed to cool and 
started up again. Upon examining the hind \eg we will 
find a bony enlargement just a little below the joint and on 
the inside of the leg. 

WHAT TO DO 

The following has never failed to relieve this condition 
when properly used: 



PRESCRIPTION 

Acid, Nitric 2 ounces 

Acid, Sulphuric 2 ounces 

Aconite, Fluid Extract of 4 drops 

Morphine, Sulphate of . . 1 grain 

Calomel 8 ounces 

Cantharides (Powdered) 1 drachm 



I58 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Chloroform 15 drops 

Arnica, Tincture of 10 drops 

Mix. In compounding this, great caution must be exer- 
cised, it must be stirred all the time Use an earthen bowl 
and an earthen pestle to stir it with. Put in calomel a lit- 
tle at a time and do not put in the cantharides until it 
conies to a boil then stir until gas is nearly all out and add 
the chloroform and arnica. Apply this to spavin knot every 
other day for three or four applications, as a rule three are 
sufficient. After this keep it well greased with lard until it 
begins to heal. 

Bog Spavin. 

This is an enlargement of the hock. 

Cause — Any sprain sufficient in character to produce in- 
flammation of the synovial membrane. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

On the inner front of the hock we find a soft swelling 
resembling a windgall. In severe cases there is lameness, 
but in mild ones there is little if any. 

WHAT TO DO 

Puncture swelling with a sharp instrument just through 
the skin some twenty-five or thirty times. When this is 
done use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 
Turpentine 2 ounces 



AND LECTURES 159 

Oil of Spike .......... 2 drachms 

Oil of Origanum ■ . . . 2 ounces 

Camphor Gum 1-2 ounce 

Oil of Tar 2 ounces 

Alcohol q. s. ad 16 ounces 

Mix and apply twice a day. 

Blood Spavin. 

This is a distension of a vein as it passes over the en- 
largement of bone spavin, the bone being constructed the 
blood is dammed up. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

On the inside of the hock and just above the joint we 
find a soft swelling as in bog spavin, only a little higher 
up and father inside the leg. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Puncture place as in bog spavin and use liniment pre- 
scribed in wire cuts for ten days. Should [this fail to re- 
lieve the trouble an operation will be necessary. 

Sweeny 

Sweeny is by no means as common as a great many 
think for. In nine *.ases out of ten thought to be sweeny 
the trouble is either in the foot or some other portion of the 
limb. 

Cause — It is usually caused by being bruised either from 
a fall or from the collar not fitting in hauling, ploughing, 
etc. 



l6o PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is soreness, lameness and wasting awa}* of the 
muscels of the shoulder blade. A horse with sweeny will 
rest his foot on the toe without extending it. Rest some- 
times seems to relieve Sweeney, but work brings it on 
again. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Puncture the shoulder as in bog spavin and repeat it 
every eight days for three or four weeks and use this lini- 
ment all the time. 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Turpentine 3 ounces 

Camphor Gum 3 drachms 

Oil of Cedar 1 ounce 

Oil of Sassafras ■ . -1 ounce 

Alcohol q. s. ad .8 ounces 

Mix and apply once a da}* and should this blister, grease 

once a day also. 

Shoulder Lameness. 

This trouble is often taken for sweeny and it does 
sometimes result in it when neglected. 

Cause — Strains, kicks, or injury of any kind may pro- 
duce it. 

WHAT TO DO. 

In the shoulder joint there is some soreness, but there is 



AND LECTURES l6l 

none in the shoulder blade as in sweeny. There is lame- 
ness and at the time the leg is being moved forward the 




head is nodded down at the start and suddenly jerked up 
toward the finish of the movement. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First bathe off the shoulder for thirty minutes with very 
warm water, then dry thoroughly and apply liniment 
recommended in sweeny. If weather be inclement blanket 
after bathing with warm water. 

Stifled 

This is a condition in which there is a dislocation of the 
pulley bone; but any derangement of the stifle joints is gen- 
erally referred to as "stifled." 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The leg is apparently stiff and the horse is unable to 
move it forward. The horse can be made to back when he 
will swing himself over injured limb without raising his 
foot from the ground. In case the trouble be a strain in- 
stead of a true stifle, the patient will carry the leg farther 
forward than usual, but he will do it carefully and with 
seeming labor, bending the stifle joint as little as possible; 



1 62 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

there will be soreness and swelling and the injured horse 
will be noticed resting his leg. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

If the trouble be true stifle, tie a rope above the fetlock 
and pull the foot upward, outward and forward, raising it 
about eighteen inches from the ground, and while this is 
being done pressure by the hand sufficient to force the pul- 
ley bone in place should be exerted over stifle joint. When 
pulley bone goes in place it will be with a "pop" which 
can be easily heard. Cord the opposite leg above the hock, 
this being done to force patient to stand on affected one. 
The stifle shoe is often used to advantage. Bathe affected 
joint with cold water for ten or fifteen minutes at a time, 
twice a day, and dry thoroughly, after which rub in well 
the liniment recommended for wire cuts. If the trouble be 
merely a strain the liniment is all that is necessary aside 
from rest. 

Hip Lameness and Hipped 

Cause — Hip lameness is caused by straining the muscles 
and ligaments around the hip joints. Hipped is caused by 
anything which strikes the hip with sufficient force to 
knock it down. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

In hip lameness there is usually soreness directly over 
the joint and often some swelling can be observed from be- 
hind. On affected side the step will usually be much 



AND LECTURES. 1 63 

shorter than on the sound one. The patient may rest af- 
fected leg in standing, and again he may only give signs of 
lameness while traveling. In hipped a sight of the patient 
is sufficient. 

WHAT TO DO. 

For hipped we can do nothing but give rational relief 
from pain. In hip lameness bathe affected hip twice per 
day with hot vinegar and follow this with the wire cut 
liniment. 



CHAPTER XII. 

DISEASES OF THE FEET. 

The feet are subject to many diseases and injuries which 
often render a horse unfit for work. ' In this chapter we 
will consider the most common and important affections of 
the feet. 

Corns. 

Corns most frequently occur in the front feet and are 
nearly always on the inside, 

Cause — High heels, contracted heels, long feet, weak 
feet, bruises, etc. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is lameness and soreness upon pressure over the 
corn. In paring the foot for examination we notice an 




apparently blood-shotten spot , about the size of a dime. 
When this spot is present we know it to be a corn. 



AND LRCTURKS I 65 

WHAT TO DO. 

If there is a shoe on the foot remove it, and pare out 
the quarter until it is almost ready to bleed, when this is 
done apply carbolic acid full strength to corn once a day, 
and poultice with flaxseed meal. Should proud flesh make 
its appearance use powdered bluest one once a day for two 
or three days, then use this: 

PRKSCRIPTION. 

Oil of Tar 4 ounces 

Oil of Origanum 1 ounce 

Ivinseed Oil 6 ounces 

Alcohol 7 ounces 

Mix and apply freely twice a day to the bottom of the 
foot. 

Quittor. 

This is a condition in which a sore has worked up 
through the foot and broken out around the top of the 
hoof. 

Cause — Neglect of corns, nails in the feet, etc. 

HOW TO KNOW IT- 

There is swelling at the top of the hoof, this breaks in a 
few days, discharging pus. The pain, which is very se- 
vere in the beginning, is relieved some by the breaking. 
In a few days after discharge begins the flesh around the 
opening gets soft and turns purple and in the course of 



1 66 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

two weeks pipes will form. The longer it runs the worse 
it gets. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Open freely and effectively and inject into all parts of the 
quittor the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Copper, Sulphate of 2 drachms 

Water q. s. ad . . . „ . . . . . .8 ounces 

Mix and inject night and morning for six days then change 

to this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Zinc, Sulohate of 4 drachms 

Lead, Acetate of 1 ounce 

Water q. s. ad . . 1 pint 

Mix and use as directed above. 

Pricking 

This is a condition brought about b} T a horse stepping 
upon a nail or other sharp things and at times produces 
serious results. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The patient suddenly goes lame; a careful and pains- 
taking examination of the foot will no doubt reveal the 
cause. 



AND LECTURES 167 

WHAT TO DO 

Keep the foot and wound cleaned out and use the follow- 
ing: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Oil of Tar 2 ounces 

Oil of Origanum 1-2 ounce 

Linseed Oil 4 ounces 

Turpentine 2 ounces 

Mix and fill prick wound with it twice per day. 

Quarter Craxks. 

These come on the quarters, usually on the inside, that 
quarter being weaker than the outer. 

Cause — They are due to a lack of elasticity in the fibers 
and a brittle condition of the hoof. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

A sight of the split or crack in the hoof is sufficient 

WHAT TO D 1 

If crack extends to the quick, pare down its edges to 
relieve pinching and make it more pliable. Then take a 
sharp knife and cut across the crack at the top on through 
to the quick. This is done to start a new hoof. If crack 
does not extend to the quick it is not necessary to pare the 
edges. We may know when it reaches the quick by horse 
going lame. Pare the foot in such a way as that the 



l68 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

weight of the horse will tend to close instead of open it. 
Blister coronet with the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Cantharides (powdered) 1-2 ounce 

English Rosin 1-2 ounce 

Lard 4 ounces 

Mix and apply two or three times, or until well blistered. 

Use the same prescription as in corns, pouring the frog of 

the foot and cracks full twice a day. 

Thrush. 

This is a kind of ulceration of, and rotting away of the 
frog of the foot. 

Cause- Standing in filthy stables. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

We find a black watery discharge and very offensive 
smell from the heels. 

WHAT TO DO 

Put patient in clean stall and trim out frog, cleaning it 
thouroughly. Use in the frog the same prescription recom- 
mended in corns. 

Narrow Heel. 

Lameness of long standing always produces this condi- 
tion the foot being rested every opportunity. 



AND LKCTURBS 1 69 

Cause — Corns, founder, sprains of the muscles, ligaments 
and tendons of the leg and shoulder, etc. Leaving the 
shoes on too long is one of the most common causes. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

A look at the foot will satisfy us. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Pare the foot down liberally, open the heel up to the 

soft parts, rasp off the quarters thin and do not touch the 

frog at all. Use the same hoof liquid as in corns and turn 

animal on soft pasture. If it is desired the shoes may be 

put on, but they should be plain, without any calks, of 

medium weight, level on bearing surface and beveled off 

to avoid bearing on the sole. Quarters should be reduced 

to relieve them of an)- bearing on the shoe, and frog should 

be allowed to come to the ground. The shoes should be 

reset every three or four weeks. 

• 

Gravel in <Ke Foot. 

Gravel sometimes get into the feet of horses causing 
lameness and much irritation. 

Cause — The primary cause may be a nail hole but 
any wound of the foot is liable to get a gravel in it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The wound will appear black and unhealthy and by 
probing we distinguish a hard feeling. 



170 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

- WHAT TO DO. 

For the sake of room trim hoof away around the open- 
ing. Then remove the gravel in a careful way and cleanse 
wound thoroughly with carbolized water, after this fill 
wound with liniment prescribed in wire cuts. If much in- 
flammation be present a flax [seed meal poultice will not 
hurt anything. 

Stone Bruises. 

Cause — These are in most cases caused by a brnise from 
stepping upon a round or projecting stone. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is lameness, the tender spot being found upon 
either frog, sole or heel. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Poultice injured foot with linseed meal for twenty-four 
hours, after this pare the foot down directly over the bruise 
being careful not to cut into the quick. Then use the fol- 
lowing: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Turpentine 4 ounces 

Tallow 2 ounces 

Bees Wax 2 ounces 

Pine Tar 1 ounce 

Mix well by heating and apply to bruise twice a day. 



AND LECTURKS 171 

Canker 

Cause — Neglect and attempts at treating wounds in dirty, 
filthy stables. Badly treated wounds are a cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is a sprouting up of a ragged, shredd} r , leathery, 
substance which looks as if it ought to grow together and 
form hoof, but it remains soft and tender. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Wash thoroughly with carbolized water, then apply a 
poultice of charcoal, to which a little carbolic acid has 
been added, remove this on the third day and pare canker 
down almost to quick and apply powdered blue stone for 
several days. 

Side Boi\e. 

This is an ossification of the lateral cartilages of the fore 
feet. 

Cause — The most common cause is a bruise, but almost 
any disease of the foot can produce it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The quarters are elastic, hard as a bone and are en- 
larged upwards from the hoof; the patient being very lame. 

WHAT TO DO 

Puncture the enlargements in ten or fifteen places with a 



172 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

common pegging awl just through the skin. Then use the 
following liniment: 

prescription 

Mercury, Bichloride of 1 ounce 

Camphor, Gum 1-2 ounce 

Ammonia, Aqua . . 2 drachms 

Turpentine, q. s. ad 8 ounces 

Mix and apply every other day until well blistered and 

then grease with lard. 

Founder. 

From the nature and cause of founder, it might seem 
proper to have considered it under the head of diseases cf 
the stomach, but this trouble being in every instance re- 
ferred to the feet, we take it up here and treat it under the 
heads of acute and chronic founder. 

Acute Founder. 

This is a condition in which the symptoms are all ag- 
gravated in the beginning. 

Cause — The presence of grain and too much cold water 
in the stomach at the same time, this leading to and pro- 
ducing a suspension of digestion. As ahorse has no gall 
bladder, founder is the result when digestion ceases. We 
hear of road and water founder and the like, but no true 
case of founder can be produced without the presence of tco 
much grain and water in the stomach. 



AND LKCTUKKS 

HwW TO KNOW IT. 



173 



The horse is in great pain, standing as if riveted to the 
ground; wnen he moves at all lie appears as if walking on 









: . 






















■ 








w\ 






■ y ^&'^k 






SB 



























pins. A foundered horse can not back. The patient 
sweats profusely, his pulse and breathing are quickened 
and temperature is elevated. 



174 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First bleed from pluter veins just half way between the 
knee joint and caster wart, taking a quart of blood from 
eajh fore leg. When this has been done use the following 
internally. 

Aloes Barbadoes . i cunee 

Potash, Nitrate of ....... 1-2 ounce 

Gentian (Powdered) 2 drachms 

Ginger (Powdered) .... 1-2 ounce 

Mix and give at one dose. Keep patient in dry lot and 
allow water in sparing quantities for a few days. Should 
patient have much fever fluid extract of aconite in ten 
drop doses should be given every two or three hours. 

Chronic Founder 

This trouble represents a condition which is the result of 
neglect of acute founder. 

C<ius/ j — Improper treatment of acute founder and neglect. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The patient goes with a short, shambling gait as if be 
was a confirmed cripple, his feet are always tender and 
hoofs are brittle with rough rings around the top. 

WHAT TO DO 

Pare out sole of foot, and should pus be found, release it. 
Then use one tablespoonful of the hoof liquid prescribed in 
corns in all four of the feet once a day. Give internally 
one tablespoonful of pulverized alum once a day, 



CHAPTER XIII. 

DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION 

Horses are as a general rule freer from diseases of these 
organs than almost any other order of animals; these eases 
being no doubt due to their usual activity In this 
chapter we will treat of nothing save the most important 
affections, these being the most common. 

Inflammation of the Testicles 

Cause — External injury and excessive copulation are the 
most common causes. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

There will usually be some fever, much soreness and 
swelling of the parts, and a peculiar straddling gait. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First bathe for thirty minutes with warm water and fol- 
low with the liniment recommended in wire cuts. 

Evil Results of Castration. 

This is a condition in which the cord is left too long, the 
ends falling between the edges of the wound in the scro- 
tum and adherring to them, both scrotum and cord swell- 
ing together, forming a tumor, li^e moss, often of large 
proportions. 



I76 PKIVATK PRESCRIPTIONS 

WHAT TO DO. 

Cast the horse and dissect the enlargement out as though 
it was a tumor. 

Wound of (he Penis. 

Occasionally the penis is injured in teasing and covering 
mares. 

WHAT TO do 

Bathe the penis in warm water, adding about an ounce 
of the acetate of lead to the pint. 

Inflammation of the Womb. 

This trouble is usually brought about by injury during 
parturition and follows it two or three days. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is some fever, colicky pains and almost continual 
straining as if to pass a foal, with a black discharge from 
the womb. 

WHAT TO DO 

If bowels are constipated give an oleaginous purge, and 
without waiting f < r purge to act wash out womb with a 
half gallon of warm water to which a half drachm of bi- 
chloride of mercury has been added. Should the fever run 
high give the following. 



AND LECTURES 177 

Aconite, Fluid Extract of .... i drachm 
Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . .2 drachms 

Niter, Spirits of 2 ounces 

Water q. s. ad 8 ounces 

Mix and give a tablespoonful in a pint of water every hour. 

Inflammation of the Ovaries. 

TnoUgh met with once in a while this trouble is very- 
rare. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

It usually occurs at the time of heat and aggravates the 
passions. There is some fever though slight, soreness in 
the lumbar region and [a disinclination to move around. 

WHAT T« DO. 

Give a half ounce of spirits of niter twice a day in a half 
pint of water. Do this for three days. 

Maxes Hard to Foal. 

This is a condition met with when the mare wont foal. . 

Cause — From a diseased ovaro or contracted! womb, or 
the womb being turned to one side, or in a low state of 
health and etc. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

By the mare being put to the horse without becoming in 
foal. In a case of this kind make an examination of the 
womb, 



178 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

WHAT TO DO. 

If the neck of the womb is closed up pass your 
hand into the neck of the womb, and if you find it 
contracted or closed, open it by working your fingers 
around in it until it opens, if it is very hard to dilate, sat- 
urate a sponge with a 1-2 ounce of extract Belladonna and 
pass the sponge into the neck of the womb with yonr hand, 
and squeeze out the medicine around the neck of the 
womb, leave the mare quiet for one hour, then pass your 
hand up and remove the sponge and open up the neck of 
the womb with your finger, as it will be easy done after the 
medicine has relaxed the parts, after the neck of the womb 
is open let the horse on her at once. She will generally 
get in foal. If it is a case where the neck of the womb is 
turned to one side, try and straighten it with your hand 
and have the mare immediately put to the horse. If in 
case where the ovaries are diseased, there can not be much 
done. Only give her constitutional treatment. 

Mares will start to breeding as young as two years old, 
and some mares will breed until they get twenty years old. 
The mare carries the colt 1 1 months and some times a few 
days over. Old mares carry a colt a few days longer then 
a young mare. 

How to Tell When a Mare is With Foal. 

At first the mare becomes quieter in disposition, and 
thrives better; the belly gradually becomes distended, and 
at the end of the fifth or sixth month, after the mare has 
taken a drink of cold water, or by putting your hand over 



AND LECTURES 1 79 

her nose so she can't breath for a minute you can see the 
colt move around, on the left side of the mare. Another 
way and the only sure way to tell is to oil your hand and 
arm and pass it up to the neck of the womb. If she is with 
foal the neck of the womb will be sealed and tight. In 
some cases you can feel the colt in the womb. Some mares 
will stay in season all the time and take the horse every 
three weeks and still be with foal. 

Parturition. 

The mare gets through with parturition very quickly 
when everything is all right, but in case of malpresentation 
malformation of the pelvis they often need careful and 
intelligent assistance. No general rules can be laid down 
to follow in cases of this kind. Every thing depends upon 
the mare and the nature of her trouble, the foetus whether 
dead or alive, the time we have to work in, etc. Good 
common sense must be depended upon, and our best judg- 
ment exercised in the light of conditions as they exist. 

The natural presentation of a foal is for the fore feet to 
come first with the head resting upon and between them. 
If all means fail to deliver the foal alive we can cut it away 
piece by piece, opening its bowels first and taking them 
out and then proceeding as our best judgment would in- 
dicate. The lives of many valuable mares have been saved 
by this means. 

Abortion. 

But few mares abort without sufficient cause. It may be 
brought about by extra hard work, external violence, falls 



l8o PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

etc. As a rule everything passes off naturally and with 
but little outward signs of trouble aside from nervous pros- 
tration and a slight elevation of temperature and pulse. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give absolute rest and watch patient closely. Give the 
following internally : 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Potash, Nitrate of 2 ounces 

Sassafras Bark (Powdered) ..... 2 ounces 

Gentian (Powdered) w . 1 ounce 

Flaxseed Meal 8 ounces 

Mix and give a tablespoonful 3 times a day. 

Puerperal Fever. 

This usually comes on about the second or third day 
after parturition, and is very fatal when neglected. 

The organ becomes swollen, the temperature runs high, 
the pulse and respiration are rapid, the ears and legs are 
cold, the urine is scouty and highly colored, the bowels 
are constipated and the secretion of milk is suspended. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Protect the patient from exposure and see that the bow- 
els are kept well open. Wash out the womb with a so- 
lution of boric acid, (about an ounce to the quart of water) 
and use same fever preparation as in inflammation of the 
womb. 




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CHAPTER XIV. 

OPERATIONS ON THE HORSE. 

Some of the more simple operations can be readily per- 
formed by the commonality of people if they will but exer- 
cise a reasonable amount of care, but we can lay down no 
fixed rules in this connection, every case demanding its 
own peculiar treatment. 

Bleeding. 

This is almost an obsolete practice, but is still employed 
with beneficial results in some instances. Under no cir- 
cumstances would I advise bleeding unless the pulse be full 
and strong. Bleeding in the nose has been fully described 
in blind staggers. Sometimes bleeding in the mouth is 
necessary, but it is not a good idea to make incision farther 
back than the second bar. To deplete the entire system we 
bleed from the jugular vein. This we do by cording the 
neck so as to fill the vein, then place the blade of fleam on 
it and strike it a good smart blow with a round stick. 
Always catch blood in some vessel so as to know how 
much you draw. Take anywhere from three to five quarts 



190 



PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



of blood, depending upon the size of horse. When pa- 
tient has bled sufficiently remove the cord and bleeding 
usually stops, if it does not pass a pin through edges of 
wound and wind a hair or thread around it in a figure 8 





*-# mm 



:■• $ 



Ji±i 



shape. In bleeding from legs in founder the legs are not 
corded, but the bleeding is stopped with the pin as just de- 
scribed. 



AND LKCTURES 191 

Stopping Blood 

To stop blood from wounds, such as wire cuts, castra- 
tion, etc., we should take up. the severed artery and ligate 
it if possible; when this cannot be jdone apply Monsel's so- 
lution of iron on absorbent cotton, or dry tanic acid to 
wound. Should this fail apply iron at white heat. 

Extracting Teeth. 

This operation is entirely mechanical and requires for- 
ceps made for the purpose. Place forceps on tooth to be 
extracted and exert lateral pressure Aintil you feel it give in 
the socket then lift it out. 

Removing Tumors. 

Tumors are fatty, fibrous, fungoid, bony, etc., and nearly 
always require an operation. To remove a tumor make an 
incision through the skin and down to the tumor proper, 
dissect it out carefully and treat as a simple wound. 

Opening a.n Abscess. 

This is a very simple operation, but should always be 
done carefully and intelligently. Always open an abscess at 
its lowest point, (this is done for the sake of drainage,) 
make a free incision for the escape of pus. The idea in 
every instance is to get rid of pus and broken down tissues. 

Operating in Blood Spavin. 

To perform this operation it is best to cast the horse. 
Make an incision about four inches long through the en- 
largement and sufficiently deep to deplete it. Then place 



192 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

a sponge on the spavin knot and bandage tightly. Remove 
and replace this every twenty-four hours for several days. 

Tapping the Colon 

This operation has been sufficiently described under the 
head of flatulent or wind colic. 

Tapping the Chest. 

This operation sometimes becomes necessary when there 
is an effusion in pleurisy. Remove the hair by clipping 
from the spot where you intend operating, which is about 
three inches back of elbow and about five from bottom of 
chest. Use a sharp scalpel, and cut between the ribs 
through skin and flesh and insert a trochar or quill and 
drain off all the water and repeat as often as it collects. 

Castrating. 

The best age for castrating is from two to three 3 r ears, 
this usually admitting of a good development of the neck 
and fore parts. The mild days of early spring are best for 
operating on horses. Cast the horse and tie him securely, 
take the scrotum in one hand and draw it over one of the 
testicles so that the dividing line can be seen and avoided; 
make a slit in scrotum about three inches long and parallel 
with the dividing line, split open inner coverings one by 
one until testicle pops out, (do not wound testicle with 
knife,) seperate tunics from the small end and scrape the 
cord into with knife about an inch and a half from testicle. 
When this is done remove the second testicle in the same 
way. Should there be much hemmorage from castration, 
use a strong solution of alum water in the scrotum. 




THE SWING IN USE. 



CHAPTER XV. 

JOCKEY TRICKS 

It is not the purpose of the writer to furnish in this chap- 
ter information through which the dishonest may defraud 
his unsuspecting neighbor, but merely to give the reader 
some idea of the deception and fraud which is constantly 
being perpetrated by the unscrupulous horse trader upon a 
more innocent and honest public. 

An old horse is often jockeyed up until he looks young 
again. This is done by means of "doctoring" the teeth as 
it is commonly called, and by making a slight incision at 
the side of and just below the ear, into which a small quill 
is introduced, and the surrounding parts just beneath the 
skin are blown full of air. This incision is then sewed up 
with silk thread. By rubbing the parts freely with the 
hands this air passes into and fills out all the shrunken 
places around the eyes and ears, making the animal appear 
young again. 

Old horses are often given apparently new life by the 
following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Oil of Cloves i ounce 

Oil of Anise Seed i ounce 



I96 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Asafoetida, Tincture of 2 ounces 

Oil of Rosemary 1 ounce 

Mix and shake well and give 15 drops a day in a bucket of 
water. This will give life to all that are not dead, and a 
horse to which it has been given will need a good rider for 
he is very livety. 

There is a quick process of fattening hordes for trade, it 
can be done in six days by u ing the following: 

PRKSCRIPTION 

Nitric Acid 3 drachms 

Bicarbonate of Soda ....... 2 ounces 

Nitrate of Potash 3 ounces 

Black Antimony ......... 3 ounces 

Asafoetida Gum 3 ounces 

Mix and give a tablespoonful twice a day for 6 days in 
soft feed. The flesh acquired thiough this means is of a 
poor quality and the horse will not hold it but a few days, 
being left in a worse condition than in the beginning. 

A horse is sometimes made lame for reasons usually best 
known to the jockey, by taking a hair from his mane or 
tail and passing it beneath the back tendon of the fore leg 
by means of a common sewing needle, and clipping the 
ends off close so as not to be noticeable. In a short time 
the horse will be very lame, but when the hair is removed 
he is all right again. 

One of the meanest tricks to which a jockey stoops is in 
making a good horse appear as if going blind when there 
is no trouble with the eyes. This is done by plugging up 
the nasal openings of the lachrymal ducts with bees 



AND LECTURES 1 97 

wax. The trouble passes away as soon as the wax is 
removed. 

A horse is sometimes made to quit eating by covering 
his teeth with tallow, he will starve when this is done be- 
fore he will eat a bite. Remove the tallow from the teeth 
and he will eat as before. 

We have explained how the heaves are "shutdown" in 
our treatment of the trouble. 

List of Medicines to Keep on Hand. 

The following is a list of medicines that every farmer and 
stock owner should keep on hand, for cases of emergency, 
that is where he has an animal take sick with colic or kid- 
ney trouble or should get hurt by accident, or any other 
disease that requires his immediate attention, he can often 
save the life of a good horse or cow or some other animal, 
while if he had to go to the drug store for the medicine; by 
that time it may be too late. As this list doesn't cost much, 
I would advise you to keep this list on hand. 

Linseed Oil (Raw) 2 quarts 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre 4 ounces 

Tincture of Opium 2 ounces 

Tincture of Aconite, Root . . . . 1-2 ounce 

Alcohol 4 ounces 

Aloes Barbadoes 2 ounces 

Nitrate Potash 4 ounces 

Ginger (Ground) 4 ounces 

Gentian (Powdered) 2 ounces 

Chloroform 2 ounces 

Oil Turpentine 6 ounces 



198 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Carbolic Acid 2 ounces 

Wire Cut liniment 1 pint 

Cleansing Powders . . 1 pound 

Epsom Salts 2 pounds 

The cost of this list of medicine is very small to compare 
with a hundred dollar horse. Keep the bottles well corked 
and labled, 

Notice — All the doses of medicines which are mentioned 
in this part of the book are intended for an average size 
horse, unless otherwise mentioned. So in giving doses to 
young and small stock, you must regulate the dose to suit 
the age and size of the animal. 

PRESCRIPTIONS 

As a matter of convenience to the reader to whom time 
will often be precious. I will add this chapter of pre- 
scriptions on the diseases of horse, for convenience. 

PURGATIVE. 

Barbadoes Aloes .4 drachms 

linseed Oil (Raw) 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose, repeat in 15 to 20 hours if nec- 
essary. 

CLEANSING POWDERS. 

Mustard, (Ground 4 ounces 

Sulphur 3 ounces 

Sassafras Bark (Powdered) .... 2 ounces 

Gentian 1 ounce 

Foenugreek 1 ounce 



AND LKCTURES I 99 

Black Antimony - . . 1-2 ounce 

Mix and give one tablespoonful once a day. This is the 
best condition powder known to the profession. 

HEALING POWDERS. 

Boric Acid 2 ounces 

Iodoform 4 drachms 

Subnitrate of Bismuth 3 drachms 

Mix and dust on 2 or 3 times a day. 

SPASMODIC COLIC. 

Chloroform 2 drachms 

Ether, Sulphate of 1-2 ounce 

Opium, Tincture of .1-2 ounce 

Canibus Indica, Fluid Extract of . .15 drops 

Water 6 ounces 

Mix and as one dose repeat every 3 minutes. 
WIND COLIC. 

Bicorbonate of Soda 1 ounce 

Oil of Peppermint , . . . . . . . . 1 drachm 

Opium Tincture of ........ 1-2 ounce 

Water 4 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose in warm water. 

COMMON COLIC 

Opium, Tincture of 1-2 ounce 

Asafoetida, Tincture of 1-2 ounce 

Ammonia, Aqua 2 drachms 

Ether, Sulphate of 1 ounce 

Mix and give at one dose in 1-2 pint of warm water. 



200 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

POWDERS FOR COLLAR AND SADDLE SORES. 

Sulphur, Pulverized 1-2 ounce 

Alum, Pulverized . . . ■". . . . . 1-2 ounce 

Calomel 10 grains 

Mix and dust on 3 times a day. 



.-5 J 



COLLAR AND SADDLE GALLS. 

Oil of Tar •. . . . 1 ounce 

Oil of Organum 1-2 ounce 

Gum Camphor 2 drachms 

Tallow 2 ounces 

Mix and appl) T night and morning. 

SNAKE BITES. 

Whiskey 1 pint 

Ammonia, Aqua 2 drachms 

Water 1-2 pint 

Mix and give at one dose, repeat in one hour, but only one- 
half the^quantity. 

HOOF LIQUID. 

Oil of Tar 4 ounces 

Oil of Organum 1 ounce 

Linseed Oil 6 ounces 

Alcohol 7 ounces 

Mix and apply once a day. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 

Aconite, (Root) Fluid Extract of . .20 drops 
Opium, Tincture of . ', . . . . , 1-2 ounce 



AND LECTURES 201 

Digitalis, Tincture of 10 d Y ops 

Water • . . . 4 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose in one-half pint of warm water. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

Opium, Tincture of ........ . 1-2 ounce 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre .1 ounce 

Cubebs 1 drachm 

Water 2 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose in one-half pint of warm water. 

LUNG FEVER. 

Aconite, (Root) Tincture of ... 20 drops 

Opium, Tincture of 1-2 ounce 

Digitalis, Tincture of 10 drops 

Nitre, Spirits of 1-2 ounce 

Water 2 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose, repeat every hour. 

EYE LOTION. 

Atropine Sulphate of 2 grains 

Water (Distilled) 2 ounces 

Mix and drop in the eye 3 or 4 times a day. 

HEAVES IN FIRST STAGE. 

Aloes Barbadoes 1 1-2 ounce 

Potash, Chlorate of . 2 ounces 

Potash, Nitrate of 2 ounces 

Tartar Emetic 6 drachms 

Gentian 1 ounce 

Nux Vomica .* ." 3 drachms 

Mix and divide into 12 powders; give one a day. 



202 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

TONIC FOR INFLUENZA. 

Sulphate quinine ,.12 cunce 

Gentian 11-2 ourcs 

Sulphate of Iron . 2 ounces 

Nitrate uf Potash . . . • 2 ounces 

Mix, divide into 10 p ;wders, gi<'e one night, and morning. 

GARGLE FOR SORE THROAT. 

Tincture Iron 1-2 ounce 

Chloratis of Potash 1 ounce 

Glycerine 2 ounces 

Wa*er to make 1 pint 

Mix, use 1 or 2 ounces at a time every 2 or 3 hours in 1-2 

pint of warm water. 

TO KIEL SCREW WORMS. 

Pine Tar . . 4 ounces 

Crude Carbolic Acid 1 ounce 

Oil Cedar . . . 3 ounces 

Alcohol 3 ounces 

Mix and apply. 

MY FAVORITE LINIMENT. 

Oil of Ceder 2 ounces ' 

Sulphate Ether 1 1-2 ounces 

Oil of Sas afras . . . 4 ounces 

Aqua Ammonia .1-2 ounce 

Gum Camphor . . ....... 3 drachms 

Alcohol 8 ounces 

Mix. and apply This i$ a good liniment for man or beast. 



AND tECTURES. 203 

LINIMENT FOR WIRE CUTS. 

Turpentine 6 ounces 

Gum Camphor 212 ounces 

Hggs No 3 

Vinegar to make .1 quart 

Mix and shake well. App'y 2 or 3 times a day. This is 
a fine liniment for bruises, sprains, sore throat in man or 
beast. 

FOR GRAVEL. 

Sweet Spirits of Niter 1 ounce 

Water .3 out ces 

Mix and give at one dose. 

FOR SORE MOUTH. 

Borax 1 ounce 

Honey 1 ounce 

Water 4 ounces 

Mix and use as a mouth wash, 

PROUD FLESH 

Sulphate Zinc 6 drachms 

Sugar of Lead * * * . . i ounce 

Water i pint 

Mix and apply 2 or 3 times a day. 

BLISTER. 

Spanish Flies 3 drachms 

Rosin 1-2 ounce 

Hogs Lard 4 ounces 

Mix and apply. 



264 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

EYE WATER. 

Sulphate Zinc 4 grains 

Sulphate Morphine 6 grains 

Distilled water to make 3 ounces 

Mix, drop in the eye 3 or 4 times a day. 

FEVER MIXTURE. 

Tincture Aconite Root .... < . 2 drachms 
Fluid Extract Belladonna .... 3 drachms 

Water to make 4 ounces 

Mix and give one tablespooDful every hours. 

CHRONIC COUGH. 

Balsam Fir 2 ounces 

Balsam Capaiva 2 ounces 

Tincture I/'belia 1-2 ounce 

Mix and give one tablespoonful once per day. 

RING BONES 

Corrosive Sublimate .■ , 1 ounce 

Gum Camphor 1 ounce 

Hartshorn 1-2 ounce 

Turpentine to make 1 pint 

Mix, apply once a day for 5 days then grease well with 

hog's lard. 

SHUT DOWN HEAVES. 

Oil of /ar 2 ounces 

Fluid Extract Eobelia 1 ounce 

Water 3 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose. R< peat for 3 mornings. 



And lectures 205 

CHRONIC DIARRHOEA. 

Sulpbatis Iron •. . . . 1 ounce 

Nux Vomica 4 drachms 

Bismuthi Sab carbonatis 2 ounces 

Bi Carbonatis of Soda .2 ounces 

Mixanddiv.de into 8 powJers. one powder night and 

morning. 

PURGING BALL. 

Barbidensis Aloes 5 drachms 

Calomel 12 drachm 

Extract Belladonia 12 drachm 

Ginger, pulverized 1 ounce 

Mix, make into a ball and give at one dose. 

MERCURY BUSTER. 

Binlodid of Mercury 2 drachms 

Vaseline 2 ounces 

Mix and apply once a day for 3 days. Then grease the 
parts well for a week. This is a good blister for spavin or 
splint knots or any kind of enlargement. 

HOOF OINTMENT. 

Pine Tar 3 ounces 

Petroleum, crude 2 ounces 

Neatsfoot Oil 1 1-2 ounces 

Oil Organum 1-2 ounce 

Linseed Oil 2 ounces 

Mix and apply to bottom of foot once a day. 



206 PRIVATK PRESCRIPTIONS . 

FOR WORMS IN HORSES. 

Santonin 20 grains 

Oil Turpentine . • 1 ounce 

Barbadoes Aloes 4 drachms 

Linseed Oil 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose. 

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS— OR WHAT SOME PEO 
PLE CALL HEAVES. 

Barbadoes Aloes ....... 1 1-2 out:ces 

Nitrate Potash 2 ounces 

Chlorate Potash . • . 2 ounces 

Blood Root (powdered) . . . .11-2 ounces 
Lobelia Seed (powdered) . . . . . 1 ounce 

Tartar Emetic 6 drachms 

Nux Votnica (powdered) .... 3 drachms 
Mix, divide into 16 powders and give one at night 

FOR LOCK TAW. 

Fluid Extract Belladonna .... 2 ounces 

Prussic Acid (diluted) 2 ounces 

Water to make 8 ounces 

Mix and give 2 tablespoonful 3 times a day. 

HORSE LINIMENT. 

Turpentine 2 ounces 

Oil of Spike . 2 ounces 

Oil of Organnm 2 ounces 

Spirits Camphor .4 ounces 



AND LECTURES 207 

Oil of Tar 2 ounces 

Ammonia water 2 ouaces 

Mix and apply 2 or 3 times a day. 

LINIMENT FOR SPRAINS. 

Oil of Organum . . . . 2 ounces 

Oil of Cedar 1 ounce 

Alchol 4 ounces 

Aqua Ammonia . 1 drachm 

Water to make 12 ounces 

Mix and apply once a day. 

ANTISEPTIC WASH. 

Carbolic Acid 2 drcahms 

Water 1 quart 

Mix and apply freely. 

MANGE ON HORSES. 

Salphur 4 ounces 

Oil of Tar 2 ounces 

Gum Campbor 3 drachms 

Linseed Oil - . 8 ounces 

Mix and rub in well once or twice a day. 

WHITE LOTION 

Sulphate Zinc 1-2 ounce 

Sugar of Lead 1 ounce 

Water to maie . . . . , 1 pint 

Mix and'apply 2 or 3 times a day. 



208 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

THUMPS. 

Whiskey • 4 ounces 

Spirits of Niter . 1-2 ounce 

Tincture Digitalis 15 drops 

Water to make 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose. Repeat in one hour. 

STIMULATING MIXTURE. 

Whiskey 4 ounces 

Extract of Ginger 1 ounce 

Water to make 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose. Repeat as needed. 

COOLING LOTION. 

Muriate of Ammonia 1 ounce 

Nitrate of Potash 2 ounces 

Water to M*ke . . . 1 quart 

Mix and apply 3 times a day. 

PASTE FOR OPEN JOINTS. 

Carbolic Acid 1 drachm 

Glycerine 2 drachms 

Flour enough to make a psste. 
Mix and app : y to the cut twice a day. 

FOR RHEUMATISM 

Colchicum Seed (powdered) . . . . 1 ounce 

Nitrate Potash 2 ounces 

Blood Root ij ounce 

Foei yureek Seed (powdered) . : . if ounce 



AND LKCTURES 209 

Mix, divide into twelve powders, and give one night and 
morning. 

COUGH POWDERS 

Gum Camphor 2 ounces 

Powdered Digitatis ...... 1 1-2 ounces , 

Powdered L,ob~lia Seed 1 ounce 

Iyinseed Meal 3 1-2 otitic s 

Mix, divide into 12 powd.rs and give 1 or 2 a day. 

DIARRMOE& MIXTURE. 

Prepared Ch Ik 1 ounce 

Ginger (pdwd red) 1 ounce 

Opium (p wdered) 1 dr-chm 

Turpentine 1-2 drachm 

Starch Gruel 1 pint 

Mix and givj at r>rje dose. Repeat in 2 o' 3 ho 1 s if nec- 
essary. 

ANTISEPTIC OIL FOR WIRE CUT AND SORE. 

Gum Camphor 1 ounce 

Iodoform . 3 drachms 

Olive Oil to make ........ 8 ounces 

Mix and apply 2 or 3 times a day. 

CARBOLISED Oil,. 

Carbolic Acid 1 drachm 

Olive Oil .6 ounces 

Mix, apply twice a day. 





THE MODEL MORSE OF THE WOULD 

"Nebraska Queen," said to be the model horse of the 
world, was born, bred and reared on the plains of Nebras- 
ka. She was foaled March 22, 1900, and now stands 20 
hands and one inch high, measures 11 feet, 8 inches in 
length, 9 feet, 2 inches girth, 42 inches shoulder, 38 inches 
collar, 20 inches throat, 35 inches length of head, and 
weighs 2530 pounds, 



PART TWO 



DISEASES 

=— or=^= 

CATTLE 



CHAPTER I. 
CATTLE 

In furnishing as they do our milk, butter, beef and 
cheese, cattle affect directly the happiness and comfort of 
more homes than all the rest of the animal kingdom com- 
bined, and when we take into consideration their secondary 
products in the way of leather, tallow, glue, etc., the con- 
clusion forces itself upon us that in her cattle the United 
States possesses a most wonderful and far-reaching source 
of wealth. Representing, as they do, one of the country's 
most valuable assets, it can prove no waste of time to study 
the wants of cattle when afflicted, no matter how insignifi- 
cent they may appear. But it is not necessary to go over 
.again the ground we did in the first chapter in this work 
on the horse; the same general instructions imparted there 
applying with equal force in this instance. 

Cattle, though very similar in almost every essential fea- 
ture to the horse, present some differences which compel 
our attention; the greatest divergence in the two being in 
the upper portion of the alimentary canal, or that part of 
it forming the stomach. In the stomach of cattle we find 



214 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

four separate and distinct apartments, each of which per- 
forms its own peculiar function in the economy of the ani- 
mal. In administering medicaments to these creatures we 
must keep in mind the fact of the existence of these four 
stomachs, as we will refer to them. From the ver} r nature 
of cattle and the presence of so much stomach surface over 
which all medicines must pass and be acted upon, it is de- 
cidelybest, when possible, to give them in a liquid and 
bulky form and accompany them, when the bowels are the 
objective point, by a mild stimulant along with our medi- 
cine, there is a strong, probability that every particle of it 
will be taken up in the first two or three stomachs, and 
that none of it will produce the effect sought in its admin- 
istration. 

In the treatment of cattle the bowels are of first moment 
and always demand serious consideration from the start, 
they being ihe means through which we effect a cure. The 
first act upon our part should always be in the direction of a 
regulation and control of the bowels. If a patient is con- 
stipated we must give a purge, and if there is an apparent 
diarrhoea, or running off at the bowels, we must endeavor 
to check it. 

Signs of Disease. 

With cattle, as in horses, the pulse, temperature and 
respiration are our best indexes, but every sign of disease 
must be closely studied and weighed for all that it is worth. 
As in the horse the actions and inclinations, along with a 
study of the coat and visible mucous membranes as well as 
of the nature and quantities of excretions, are our depen- 



AND LECTURES 215 

dence and most reliable source of information in arriving at 
correct conclusions. 

Pulse 

The pulse in cattle is softer than we find it in the horse; 
the best place for securing it being from an artery beneath 
the tail, or else from one passing over the middle of the 
first rib. In range cattle the pulse makes 50 beats a min- 
ute, while m four year old beef steers it only makes 44. 

A general rule, 'whiten it will be found profitable to fol- 
low, is to never begin the administration of medicine for 
any internal disease in cattle, until the pulse reaches 60 
beats a minute, but when medication is once begun keep it 
up until pulse goes down to 55 to the minute. 

Temperature 

The normal temperature of full grown cattle is 100 1-2 ° . 
Some depend upon gutssing at the temperature after feel- 
ing of the ears, legs, skin and roots of horns, and with the 
experienced it can be closely approximated in this way, 
but the only means of securing the correct temperature is 
through the use of the thermometer. The temperature is 
of vital importance in treating febrile conditions. 

Respiration. 

Cattle, in health, breathe from 10 to 14 times a minute- 
These can be readily counted by the heaving of the chest. 
The sounds heard in auscultation and percussion are about 
the same as in the horse, the only difference, if any, beiag 
in the distinctness of those of cattle. 



CHAPTER II. ' 

DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION 

In this chapter we will consider all of the simple and 
most common diseases of the air passages. 

Bleeding From the Nose, 

Cause, — It is generally caused from an injury to the 
mucous membranes, or else violent exertion in sneezing or 
coughing. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is no frothing of blood, which usually drops from 
one nostril and is accompanied by sneezing, the blood be- 
ing dark red. 

WHAT TO DO. 

In severe cases tie the patient's head up and apply cold 
water or ice, Should this fail, inject monsels solution for 
iron into bleeding nostril and if the desired effect is not se- 
cured, give the following as constitional haemostatic: 



AND LHCTUKKS . 2 t J 



PRESCRIPTION 



Gallic Acid i 1-2 drachms 

Water, q. s. adcl 1 pint 

Mix and give one dose and repeat every hour as indicated. 

Bleeding From the Lungs 

Cause. — This is caused 03^ a breaking down of the 
lung substance, or is a result of a previous congestion of 
the lungs. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Bleeding from the lungs comes from both nostrils and 
mouth; there is a cough and the blood is a bright red and 
frothy. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Use cold applications to the sides and give, as a drench^ 
the same haemostatic prescribed in bleeding from the nose. 

Catarrh or Cold In the Head 

Cause. — Exposure to cold wet weather is the most com- 
mon cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The animal gets dull and has no disposition to move 
around, the appetite is generally indifferent and the eyes 
are red and watery. The mucuous membranes of the nose 
are at first red and dry, but later a watery discharge makes 



2i 8 Private prescriptions 

its appearance, which becomes mucopurulent in severe 
cases. If in a cow giving milk the secretion of it dimin- 
ishes very much. The pulse will be rapid and rather hard, 
and temperature may run high. 

WHAT to d » 

House the patient comfortably and turn your attention to 
the bowels, first. 

If the patient be constipated give this as a purge: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Epsom Salts i pound 

Gentian, (Powdered) ....... i ounce 

Ginger, (Powdered) ....... i ounce 

Mix and give at one dose in a quart of water. Should the 
bowels be too loos<:, the following will generally prove ef- 
fective in checking them: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Alum, (Powdered) i ounce 

Opium, (Powdered) 2 drachms 

Starch, (Powdered) 4 ounces 

Ether, Sulphuric 2 ounces 

Water, q. s add 1 quarts 

Mix and give at two doses 2 hours apart. 

The patient can be forced to inhale the steam from very 

warm water to relieve the lightness in the head. Should 

the temperature run as high as 103 ° give the following 

fever mixture: 



AND LKCTURKS 2IO, 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Aconite, Tincture of 3 drachms 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . .1-2 ounce 

Potash, Nitrate of 2 ounces 

Linseed Infusion, q. s .1 pint 

Mix and give two ounces at a dose every 2 hours until fever 

subsides. 

Largyn$i<is. 

This is an inflammation of the larj^nx, and organ situat- 
ed at the upper part of and is continuous with the wind 
pipe. 

Cause — Exposure to storms, cold rains, etc., or a sudden 
change from warm to colder quarters, may produce it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The pulse is raised, the breathing is quickened and the 
temperature is elevated. There is pain on pressure being 
applied in the region of the larynx. There is considerable 
difficulty in swallowing, respiration is noisy and difficult, 
and violent fits of coughing are not uncommon. The nos- 
trils are distented and the animal has a frightened expres- 
sion. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First, rub in well mustard paste on the throat over the 
larynx and repeat this every hour until at least three ap- 
plications have been made, then cleanse the parts w 7 ith tep- 
id water and apply freely and rub in well, the liniment for 



2 20 PRIVATK PKKSCK1PTIO VS 

wire cuts in horses, recommended in this work. The fol- 
lowing is often used advantageously: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Potash, Chlorate of 2 ounces 

, Acid, Carbolic 20 drops 

Water, q. s add 1 pint 

Mix and mop or swab out throat 3 or '4 times a day. 

Diptheria 

This trouble resembles largynitis very much, about the 
only noticeable difference in the symptoms of the two being 
in the presence of dark gray patches in the fauces in diph- 
theria, where there is none in largyngitis. The treatment 
in both troubles is the same. A word of caution — be care- 
ful where you have a case of diphtheria, for it is often com- 
municated to the human family in this way, and when it is 
it becomes very contageous. 

Bronchitis 

This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the 
bronchial tubes, these being the small air passages leading 
into the lungs. 

Cause — The cause is most generally from "catching" cold 
but any irritant may prodnce it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The pulse will be soft and full running from 50 to 80 
beats a minutes. The temperature will be in the neighbor- 
hood 105 ° , The inspiration is short, painful and incom- 



AND LECTURES. 221 

plete, while the expiration is prolonged. There is a par- 
oxysmal but incomplete and painful cough present. At 
first we hear a dry, grating sound on placing the ear to the 
chest; which becomes a kind of gurgling one in three or 
four days. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give the patient a warm, clean and well ventilated stall. 
Keep the bowels open with half or broken doses of the ep- 
som ^alts purge recommended in catarrh in cattle. To 
control fever use the following. 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Niter, Spirits of 2 ounces 

Aconite, Fluid Extract of . . . .2 drachms 
Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . 4 drachms 

Opium, Tincture of 1 ounce 

Water, q. s. . . . . ." add 1 pint 

Mix and give four tablespoonsful at a dose every 3 or 4 
hours. When the fever give \ away use this for a week or 
ten days; 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Iron, Sulphate of 3 ounces 

Gentian. (Powdered) 2 ounces 

Foenugreek, (Powdered) 1 ounce 

Flax Seed Meal 8 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful at a dose twice per day. 



222 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Pneumonia.. 

This is an inflamation of the tis-ues of the lungs, or 
lung substance and is very common among cattle. The 
right lung is most commonly affected. 

Cause — The cause of pneumonia is about the same as 
that of any of the other infjamma'ory diseaseas of the res- 
piratory organs. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Pneumonia usually comes on with a chill, followed by 
a rise in temperature, running up to 105 degrees or even 
higher, the pule is full and soft, ranging from 60 to 80 
beats a minute. The breathing is quick and shallow, the 
nose being hot and dry. The skin is rough, dry and harsh 
and the coat is staring, the urine is scanty and highly 
colored, and in milk cows the secretions are suspended to 
a great extent. On tapping the side a dull heavy sound 
is heard and on placing the ear to it we observe an absence 
of the murmur of health in affected parts Some times 
thre is a dry hacking cough which becomes frequent and 
painful as disease progresses The patient is usually 
found standing with fore legs wide apart and elbows turn- 
ed outward. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Move the bowels off freely by using the following 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Epsom Salts ........... 1 pound 



And lectures 223 

Gentian (powdered) 1 ounce 

Ging- r , r ounce 

Calomel 1 drachm 

Mix and give at one dose ard repeat in 6 hours if bowels 
do not move freely. 

After adminis'ering the second dose give an injection 
into the rectum of warm water every thirty minutes until 
de-ired pc ion is secured 

To control fever use the same prescription as in bron- 
chitis. Should { atier.t become very weak a stimulant is 
indicated A halt pir.t of brandy in a quart of gruel three 
or four times a day is good. 

Pleurisy. 

This is an inflamtniiiori of the pleura, which are serous 
membranes lining the chest and lungs. 

Cause — The causes of bronchitis and pneumonia are also 
the causes of pleurisy. 

HOW TO KNOW 'IT. 

The muzzle is dry and hot, the mouth shiny and secre- 
tions scant. There is great pain from the inflamed surface 
of the pleura rubbing together and a kind of frictional 
murmur. The inspirations are short and incomplete, while 
the expirations are prolonged. There is a cough which is 
sharp, painful and suppressed. By exerting pressure in 
the interdostal spaces the animal will flinch and grunt. 
The pulse is small, hard and frequent, and the tempera- 
ture will range from 104 to 105 degrees. If there is an 



224 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

effusion the puls^ will b» soft and a dull sound will be 
heard on percussion as h;gh up as the fluid goes in the 
chest. 

WHAT TO DO. 

The same general treatment employed in pneumonia is 
advised. The bowels must be kept open and the kidneys 
acting freely. In case there is a i effusion put mustard 
plaster over affected side and give the following internally. 

PRESCRIPTION . 

Digitalis, tincture of 4 ounces 

Potash, iodide of 3 drachms 

Water, qs add 8 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful at a dose 3 times a day. 

Chronic Cough 

In some sections of the country chronic coughs are very 
common among cattle, and it is very essential that we give 
them careful attention for if allowed to run in their course 
they often result in heaves. 

Cause — The most common cause is from cold, but dust 
and smut in feed sometimes produces it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is a persistent cough and patient will lose flesh 
and present a haggard appearance. The breathing is hur- 
ried and in severe cases there is heaving of the flanks. 



AND LECTURES 225 

WHAT TO DO 

Feed 011 soft feed and use the following. 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Camphor Gum . . 1 ounce 

Niter, spirits of ... . 4 ounces 

Ginger, tincture of 2 ounces 

Potash, nitrate of 112 ounces 

Water, qs add 2 pints 

Mix and give one teaspoonful 3 times a day. Give in 

connection wiih the above this 

PRESCRIPTION 

Mustard (ground) 4 ounces 

Sulphur 3 ounces 

Gentian (powdered) 2 ounces 

Ginger (powdered) 3 ounces 

Flax Seed Meal 8 ounces 

Mix and g've two tablespoonsful at a dose twice a day. 

Heaves 

As in the horse this is a rupture of the air cells of the 
lungs. 

Cause — It is a result of chronic conghs, bronchitis, etc. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Respiration is interspersed with, the expiration being 
pro'onged while the inspiration is short and incomplete. 



226 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

As a rule the patient is hide-bound, presents a s aring coat 
and becomes emaciated. The cough is hard and is follow- 
ed by heaving of the flanks and the chest sounds are 
exaggerated. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Heaves are incurable, but can in a measure be relieved 
by persistent use of the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Mustard (ground) 4 ounces 

Gentian (powdered) / 2 ounces 

Foenugreek (powdered) i ounce 

Lobelia Seed (powdered) 2 ounces 

Blood Root (powdered) . . . .21-2 ounces 

Potash, nitrate of 3 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful at a dose twice a day. 



CHAPTER III. 

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 

Under this head we will consider < very ailment and 
affection of the alimentary canal which is of consequence 
or benefit to the farmer or cattle man. 

Sore Mouth 

Though of but little moment this trouble of' en occurs 
and sometimes requires treatment. 

Cause — Irritating substances in eitl er food cr medicine 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The mucous membanes of the mouth will appear red 
and inflamed and saliva dribbles from it. 

WHAT TO DO 

Use the following as a kind of mouth wash: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Potash, chlorate of 2 drachms 

Hydrastics, pulverized 3 drachms 



228 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Acid, Carbolic 20 drops 

Lt-terine 1 ounce 

Water, qs add 6 ounces 

Mix and swab out mouth with it twice a day. 

Loss of Cud 

This is by no means a d sease within itself, but merely 
a symptom of a great many diseases.- It is a sign of sus- 
pended rumination and show's that the digestive organs are 
not periorming their proper functions When we observe 
that au animal is apparently without a 'cud" we must 
look for other symptoms of disease upon which we can 
base a correct opinion as to the true character of the 
trouble. 

Choking. 

This condition is usoally produced by an animal's at 
tempting to swallow too large an object, or by chaff or 
bran lodging in and filling up a port'on o f the gullet 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

T'^e animal is restess and shows signs of pain, and 
saliva runs from the mouth; there a*e frequent efforts at 
swa'lowing and a cough. 

WHAT TO DO 

If obstruction can be reached remove it with the band 
and in case this cannot be done pursue the same course as 
advised in "Choked Horses," 



AND LECTURES 



229 




THE PROBE. 




THE GAUGE IN THE MOUTH 



Hoven- 

Cause — Anything which produces indigestion It com- 
monly follows a heavy feed on clover, cane or other 
succulent diet. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The animal moves \ bout uneesilv and presents an 
anxious expression The swelling in the flank is very 
marked and often rises above the level of the backbone. 
The- breathing is difficult and gas a; d food are belche 1 
up from the stomach. 

what to do. 

First give the following; 



230 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

PRESCRIPTION 

Epsom Salts 1 pound 

Opium, tincture of .... 4 drachms 

Niter, spirits of 1 ounce 

Mix and give in a quart of warm water. 




In case there is great swelling in the beginning or at any 
time afterwards "tapping" the rumen must be resorted to. 
(See chapter on operations.) 



AND LKCTURKS 23 I 

Impaction of the R.umen 

This is a condition in which the food taken lays in a 
mass in the stomach or becomes impacted as it were, caus- 
ing a kind of paralysis of that organ. 

Cause, — Excessive feeds of almost any kind of feed will 
produce. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The animal presents the same general appearance as in 
hoven. On pressing the flank with the closed hand, indent 
remains for a short time or rises slowly. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First give the following as a purge: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Fpsom Salts i pound 

Gentian, (Powered) i ounce 

Ginger, (Powdered) . t i ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 20 drops 

Water, q. s add 1 quart 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat in 12 hour if neces- 
sary. If patient seems to be in great pain give this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Opium, Tincture of 1 ounce 

Nitre, Spirits of 1 ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of .40 drops 

Water, q. s add 1 pint 



232 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Mix and give at two doses an hour a part in quart of warm 
water. 

Should our efforts fail and we should despair of relieving 
the trouble through the agency of medicines at tne end of 
twenty-four hours the rumen may be tapped (see chapter in 
operations) and contents mechaically removed. 

Impaction of the Omasum or Dry Murrain 

This is a condition in which the third stomach (omasum) 
suffers from want of water, and food becomes impacted be- 
tween the leaves of it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

This trouble conies on gradually, with signs of abdomi- 
nal pain, the animal looks around to the right side and has 
no disposition to move about. Just below the ribs on the 
right side can be felt a hard round substance, which is very 
tender. The fever, which begins with the trouble, pro- 
gresses with it, and towards the end patient makes man}- 
efforts at passing dung. 

WHAT TO do. 

Just as soon as we learn what the trouble is we should 
employ the following as a cathartic: 

Epsom Salts i 1-2 pounds 

Ginger, Powdered 2 ounces 

Gentian, Powdered 2 ounces 

Calmomel 1 drachm 

Syrup, Simple 8 ounces 



AND LECTURES 23^ 

Mix and give at one dose in two quarts of warm water. 
To hasten the action of above give rectal injections of warm 
water every thirty minutes, and give per stomach a stimu- 
lant as follows: 

PR INSCRIPTION 

Brandy 12 ounces 

Ginger, tincture 2 ounces 

Water, q. s add 1 quart 

Mix and give one teacupful at a dose every 2 hours in a 

quart of water. 

Chronic Indigestion. 

This trouble occasionally occurs in cattle and is the same 
as dyspepsia in the human family. 

(Janse — Irregular and improper feeding are the most 
common causes. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The appetite is rather freakish, at times being dainty and 
again depraved. There is belching from the stomach; a 
dry, glazed appearance of the dung is noticeable along with 
a marked decrease in quantit} r , the flanks drop in, the skin 
and hair feel dry and rough and the animal loses flesh 
rapidly. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Be careful in feeding (soft and easily digestable food 
being indicated) and give the following: 



234 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Soda, bi-carbonate of 4 ounces 

Gentian (powdered) 3 ounces 

Ginger (powdered) 2 ounces 

Skunk Cabbage (powdered) ... 2 ounces 
Mix and give one tables ooonful at a dose niSht and morn- 
ing. 




THE STOMACH. 



Should the dry, glazed appearance of the dung continue 
it would be a good idea to give the purge prescribed in 
Catarrh or Cold in the Head. 



Constipation. 

We regard constipation rather as a symptom of disease 



AND LKCTURES 235 

than a disease in itself. It is a result of an insufficient 
amount of moisture in the stomach and bowels. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The dung is dry, hard and often glazed and its passage 
is accomplished in a tardy maimer. The animal is sluggish 
and shows signs of not feeling well. 

WHAT TO DO 

Iii mild cases a handful of salt in half a pound of flax 
seed meal is generally sufficient, but when the trouble is 
severe resort must be had to the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Epsom Salts 10 ounces 

Ginger (powdered) i ounce 

Nux Vomica (powdered) .... 2 drachms 
Mix and give at one dose in a quart of water. 

Diarrhoeea 

This is a condition in which there is a watery discharge 
from the bowels. It is often referred to as scours. 

Cause- Inferior and improper food along with irregular 
feeding are usually the causes when it is not brought on by 
some other disease. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The passages from the bowels are frequent and consist of 
thin dung in the beginning, but become watery and offen- 



236 PRIVATK PR INSCRIPTIONS 

sive as disease progresses. The patient is dull and gener- 
ally very thirsty. As a rule there is some fever and great 
depression and the animal loses flesh rapidl}\ 

WHAT TO DO. 

In most cases it is best to begin treatment by giving a 
pint of castor oil, but this is not always necessary. After 
waiting two hours upon the oil, give- the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Alum (powdered) 2 ounces 

Opium (powdered) 1-2 ounce 

Gentian (powdered) 1 ounce 

Chalk (precipitated) . 4 ounces 

Bther (sulphuric) 1 ounce 

Water, q. s add 1 pint 

Mix and and give four tablespoonsful every 3 hours. 

Should this fail to give relief in twenty four hours try 

this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Chalk, precipitated 2 ounces 

Cateches, powdered 1 ounce 

Ginger, powdered . 1-2 ounce 

Opium, powdered 1 drachm 

Water, q. s ' ' • : P ni t 

Mix and shake well, and give four tablespoonsful at a dose 

night and morning. 

Dysentery. 

This condition represents the same cattle as bloody flux 



AND LECTURES. 237 

does in man. It is an inflammation of mucous membranes 
or lining of the bowels and usually follows diarrhoea. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The discharge from the bowels is watery, bloody and 
offensive and is accompanied in its passage by severe strain- 
ing. The patient has no appetite but is very thirsty and 
has a high fever. If the trouble be with a milk cow the 
secretion of milk ceases. There is sometimes a discharge 
from the eyes and patient always decreases in flesh rapidly. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give as a laxative the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Epsom Salts 6 ounces 

Ginger, powdered i ounce 

Opium, powdered 2 drachms 

Flax Seed Meal 4 ounces 

Mix and give in a quart of warm water. 

Wait on this a few hours and then treat as a simple case 
of diarrhoe. Should the fever run very high use same 
fever mixture as in bronchitis. 

Inflammation of the Bowels 

Cause — Drinking very cold water. Eating poultry food 
or acid plants and leaves which are infested with caterpillers 
are the most common causes. 



238 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

HOW TO KNOW IT- 

The animal shows signs of pain by getting up and down 
very often and looking at its flanks. Soon we notice it 
pawing the ground with its front feet and directly it will 
be seen occasionally striking at the abdomen with one of its 
hind feet. There is a partial or total cessation of rumina- 
tion and the tail is raised. The animal frequently attempts 
to urinate but can pass only small quantities. This dis- 
charge from the bowels is dry, hard and covered with 
mucous. All symptoms of fever are present. 

WHAT TO d \ 

First give the same purge as recommended in impaction 
of rumen and without waiting begin the following:, 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Opium, tincture of 3 ounces 

Aconite, tiuctnre of 2 drachms 

Niter, spirits of 3 ounces 

Potash, nitrate of 1 ounce 

Water, q. s add 1 pint 

Mix and give at four doses 2 hours apart in a quart of warm 

water. 

Intestinal Worms. 

It is seldom necessary to doctor cattle for intestinal para- 
sites for they rarely have them, but in some sections of the 
country tape worms are not the most uncommon thing in 
the world. 



AND LECTURES 239 

HOW TO KNOW THEM. 

This is hard to do. The animal keeps eating and always 
seems hungry, but gradually falls away. The only means 
by which we can be certain of the presence of a tape worm 
is by finding joints of it in the dung. 

WHAT TO DO. 

For tape worm give an ounce of oil of male fern (for 
three days) morning, noon and night in a pint of sweet 
milk. On the fourth day give a pint of castor oil. 

Round worms can readily be gotten rid of by giving 
small doses of sulphate of iron three times a day for three 
days and following with castor oil as above. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Diseases of the Urinary Organs 

The uninary apparatus in cattle is by no means as subject 
t© derangement as that of the horse, but occasionally dis- 
ease lays a withering hand upon some portions of it and 
when it does our best efforts with a perfect understanding 
of the nature of the trouble are required to relieve it. 

Inflammation of the Kidneys 

This is an inflammation of the substance of the kidneys 
and is the only affection of these organs proper of any con- 
sequence. 

Cause — Blows of external violence of any kind in the 
region of the kidneys; diuretic medicines and feeding upon 
diuretic plants are the most common in enumerating the 
list of causes. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

This trouble is in some instances hard to diagnose. In 
well marked cases the animal shows great uneasiness and 
passes urine often, in small dribblets, it being thick and 



AND LECTURES 24I 

highly colon d and attended by much straining. There is 
in some cases high fever, accelerated pulse and hurried 
breath ng. In all cases we find tenderness over the lions 
and a ^rad^ling gait, occasionally there is lameness in 
either one or • oth bind legs and the animal when forced 
to move dee- so with a groan. Sometimes there is swell- 
ing over the ioins. By introducing the hard into the 
rectum and exerting ptessure on the kidneys great pain 
will be produced and the circular muscular fibres of the 
rectum will contract in an effort at expelling the hand. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give p itieut comfortable quarters and if suffering great 
pain apply hot blankets to the loins and give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION . 

Opium, tincture of 4 ounces 

Aconite, fluid extract of 1 drachm 

B l'adonna, fluid extract of . . .2 drachms 
Nit- r, spirits of 4 ounces 

Mix and give 'hree tablespoonsful in a pint of linseed tea 

every 3 hours. 

Retention of the Vrine. 

Cause — The cause may be spasm of the neck of the 
bladder, paralysis of t^e body of the bladder or an obstruc- 
tion in t u ,e way of a *>tone. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The animal shows signs of colicky pains and strains in 



242 Private prescriptions 

its freqae t and futile efforts at pishing urine, it looks 
around to the fl ink a d raises and moves its hind legs in 
a restless manner. 

WHAT TO DO 

Draw the urine with a cathe'er and if the trouble be 
caused by a stone, try to remove it. Should the retention 
come from some other cause, use the folowing, after the 
bladder has been washed: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Opium, tincture of i cunce 

Belladonna, fluid extract of . . . .30 dror_s 

Gentian, tincture of 12 cunce 

Mix and give at one dos; in a p : nt ot linsed tea. 

Incontinence of Urine 

Cause — The cause is gen -r 11 v a-i injury to the posterior 
part of the spinal cord. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The urine dribbles away continually anl by introducing 
the hand into the rectum or vagina we can feel the half 
filled bladder below and may empty it by pressure. 

WHAT TO DO. 

If injury to the spinal cord be permanent, nothing can 
be done. We may use fly blisters on the loins with good 
results, and the following internally will tend to restore 
tone to the injured nerves: 



AND LECTURES 243 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Belladonna, solid extract of . . . . i ounce 

Cantharides, powderid 25 gr&ins 

Mix and make into 8 powders and give one a day. 

Bloody Urii\e. 

Cause. — Structural disease oi the kidneys or urinary 
tract. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The appearance of the urine is all that is necessary tu 
satisfy us of the trouble. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give clean, wholesome ftod and the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Gentian, tincture of 4 diachms 

Muriate of Iron, tincture of . . .2 drachms 

Aconite, tincture of 20 drops 

Water, q. s . add 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat 3 times a day for one 

week. 

Inflammation of the Bladder. 

This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane or 
lining of the bladder and is very uncommon. 

Cause. — Strong diuretics, a stone in the bladder and 
eating poisonous herbs are the most common causes. 



244 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The animal shows by its acts that it is in pain, there is 
apparent prostration and some efforts at vomiting, the 
urine in its passage seems to give much pain and may be 
either increased or reduced in amount and the sufferer 
sweats profusely. In the male the testicles are drawn up 
towards the body. 

WHAT TO do. 

If the cause be from diuretics, stop their use, and if from 
stone in the bladder, remove it if possible. In case the 
caus? can not be determined or gotten at, give the follow- 
ing: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Opium, tincture of . i ounce 

Aconite, tincture of . . 20 drops 

Mindererus, spirits of ...... 2 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose in a pint of linseed tea and re- 
peat every two hours until better. 

Stone in the Bladder 

These may occur iu any number in the bladder and of 
all sizes, but is not common to find one more than an inch 
in diameter. 

« Cause — These stones appear to be an accumulation of 

lime salts and may be a simple mechanical gathering of 

them, but it is more probable that they are the result of 
chemical changes taking place in the body. 



AND LECTURES 245 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The stone acting as an irritant causes the bladder to 
contract and by this means frequent passages of the urine 
come about which are small in quantity but very painful. 
By introducing the hand into the rectum the s one in the 
bladder can be felt. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First remove stones as described in 'Tapping the Blad- 
der" (see chapter on operations). Then give ihe follow- 
ing: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Hydrochloric Acid 20 drops 

Gentian, tincture of 4 drachms 

Linseed Tea, q. s add 1 pint 

Mix at d give at one dse twice a day for six days. Then 

give this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Sulphur 4 ounces 

Mu>!arl . . 1 4 ounces 

Sassafras Baik, powder d ... * * 2 ounces 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Foe ugre^k, powdered 1 ounce 

Skunk Cabbage, powdere 1 .... 2 ounces 

Mix an 1 g ; ve two tablespion^ful at a dose one-- per day in 

soft feed, 



CHAPTER V. 

GENERAL BLOOD DISEASES. 

In this chapter we will treat all those diseases which 
work through the medium of the blood, no matter what 
their origin or nature may be. 

Blood Poisoning. 

This condition is a result of poisonous matter or pus be- 
ing absorbed into the system. 

Cause — Using unc'ean instruments in a wound of any 
kind, and the absorption of pus from ulcers and suppurat- 
ing surfaces are the most common causes: 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Rumination has stopped and the coat is staring, the 
appetite is lost and emaciation has begun. The breathing 
is quickened, the pu'se is fast and hard and the animal 
has much fever. 



AND LECTURES 247 

WHAT TO DO. 

Liberate the pus from wound o r ulcer, as the case may 
be, and clean-e thoroughly with carbolized water 2 or 3 
times a day and give, internally, this: 

PRESCRIPTION!. 

Chloride of Iron, tincture of . . . 1-2 ounce 

Opium, tincture of . . . 3 ounces 

Aconite, tincture of 2 drachms 

Mix and give one tablespoonful at a rose every 2 hours 

Tuberculosis a.nd Phthisis Pulmonalis 

This trouble resembles phthisis in the human family and 
is a condition in which the poison from suppurasioo has 
been absorbed into the -y^ttmi, the poi>on gathering in 
cheese-'ike tumors of small dim nsions, these' tumors 
being fou d in the iun^s, pleura, sides of <1iapnragn and 
various gla ds These tumors may partake of a semi fluid 
nature a d when they d > the flesh of the animal is unfit 
forf^od. If thev are of a calcareous character, no bad 
effect . rrsuh from eating it. 

Cause — Amy inflimmation of a suppurative charac ! er 
through which poison is absorbed into the syst m. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The first symptom usually observed is an unthrifty con- 
dition, accompanied by a husky cough. This is followed 
by a dull appearance o the hair and skin The animal 



24S Private prescription^. 

no longer licks itself as of old. If the trouble be in a milk 
eow the milk though not decre std in quantity is thin and 
watery and of a poor quality. A cow wi h calf usually 
aborts. As disease progresses the cough gets much worse 
and emaciation is rapid. Diarrhoea generally develops in 
the last stage of the trouble The nnimni always remains 
Standing. In severe c-^ses tubercles sometimes break 
out on the body. 

WHAT TO DO 

There is no cure for this troubl-*, hut some wri ers re- 
commend rapid fattending and butchering as a m ans to 
avoid financial loss. Speaking for invs-lf, I can only 
say that I would not relish beef in any shape under th se 
circumstances. 

Rheumatism 

This is a constitutional blood disease of a very peculiar 
kind and is neither contagious nor infec ions. 

Cause — The cause is by no means well u? deistood, but 
it is supposed to be due to an accumulati m of a peculiar 
acid in the system which has a tendency to settle around 
the joints. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The animal has no disposition to move around and 
presents a staring coat. When forced to m< ve we observe 
that he is stiff and lame. As disease progress s one or 
more joints begin to swell and will be found hot and pain- 



AND LECTURES 249 

ful. This swelling travels from one joint to another and 
from one leg to another. The temperature is elevated, the 
pulse runs high, the bowels are usually constipated and the 
urine is scanty and of a high color. The patient seems to 
prefer laying to standing. 

WHAT TO DO 

Give patient warm stall with good bed and a good purge, 
such as recommended in Pneumonia. When bowels have 
acted well begin the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Cinchona Bark, powdered 1 ounce 

Potash, nitrate of 1 1-2 ounces 

Foenugreek 1-2 ounce 

Calchicum 1 ounce 

Mix and divide into four powders, give one night and 
morning. Continue this treatment for several days and 
use in connection with it locally the following liniment: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Turpentine 2 ounces 

Camphor Gum . . . 1 ounce 

Opium, tincture of 1 ounce 

Water, q. s add 1 pint 

Mix and rub in well on all swollen parts. 

Coivtageous Pleuro-Pneumonia 

This trouble is commonly known as "lung plague" and 



250 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

is contageous, but it only comes about by contact with an 
affected animal or the virus in stalls, cars, etc. 

Cause — The cause insofar as we are concerned may be 
stated as being from actual contact with an affected animal 
or else the living virus. 

WHAT TO D 1 

The early symptoms are such as we would expect in lung 
troubles, the temperature rising possibly to 106 ° and the 
breathing becomes difficult and rapid, with a kind of moan 
with each expiration. There is a short, hard, husky 
cough, the head is drooped and the back arched, the urine 
is scanty and dark in color, the horns are hot at their roots 
but cold at the tips and the pulse is weak and rapid. As 
disease progresses the symptoms become more marked, 
there is bloating and often a severe diarrhoea. From the 
eyes and nose comes a watery discharge or one of even 
more pronounced character. In the first stage the sounds 
heard in the chest are dry and crackling but as trouble 
progresses this is all changed and we observe a rough whis- 
tling sound. Violent cases of pleuro-pneumonia never 
appear in the United States except in warm weather. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Destroy infected animal and quarantine every one which 
has been exposed for at least three months. Some writers 
recommend inocculation of exposed animals, but we consid- 
er this of questionable utility, even though good results 
have seemed to accrue from it in some instances. The only 
safe plan to be pursued is to isolate every suspect. 



AND LECTURES. 25I 

Rinderpest. 

We hardly feel justified in passing, this without a word 
and yet we realize that it is a waste of time and space inso- 
far ns the American people are concerned, for a case of it 
has never yet visited our shores. We will let the subject 
go by simply and briefly telling what it is. It is generally 
known as "cattle plague" and has proven a veritable bovine 
scourge. From the best information at hand it has existed 
in Asia for all time, and has been perpetual by a continual 
infection of fresh animals. The virus is said to retain its 
vitality for months or even years outside of the body in a 
moist state. Cattle are most susceptible to it, and it is 
claimed by some that every animal exposed to it becomes 
infected. 

Texas Fever. 

This trouble appears under various names in different 
sections of the country. It is sometimes called acclimation 
fever, Spanish fever, black water and murrain, but more 
commonly splesutic fever. 

Cause— The cause is a matter of conjecture, innumera- 
ble theories being offered, none of which are by any means 
satisfactory. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The first sign of this trouble usually observed is a dispo- 
sition on the part of the infected animal to leave the herd 
and be alone, next there is a dullness and loss of appetite 
with dry, staring coat, the patient stands with his head 



252 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

down and ears drooped. The temperatuie runs anywhere 
from 104 ° to 108 ° and the pulse and breathing are very 
rapid. The urine is scanty and highly colored in the be- 
ginning, on about the third day it will be red wine color 
and will in a day or two more appear much like red blood. 
The dung is drip, scanty and of a brownish color and is 
usually mixed with a kind of blot dy mucous. 

WHAT TO DO. 

But few writers recommend a line of treatment in this 
trouble, but the author has had much experience and has 
met with considerable success in treating animals affected 
with it. Our attention must be directed to the bowels first 
which are always found constipated. Give the following 
as a purge: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Epsom Salts .... ..... 1 pound 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Ginger, powdered 2 ounces 

Calomel 1 drachm 

Common Salt 3 ounces 

Syrup 8 ounces. 

Mix and give at one dose in two quarts of cold water and 
repeat every eight hours until bowels move freely. Injec- 
tions into the rectum of warm water and soap will aid us 
in securing desired action. Do not wait for purgative to 
act, but begin at once the following fever mixture: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Niter, spirits of .3 ounces 



AND LECTURES 253 

Aconite, tincture of 2 drachms 

Belladonna, fluid extract of . . .1-2 ouace 

Potash, nitrate of * . 2 ounces 

Ammonia, muriate of . . -. . . .2 ounces 
Water, q. s add 2 pints 

Mix and give a half teacupful at a dose in a quart of water 

every two hours. 

Keep patient in the shade and apply b!a>. kets which are 

wet with cold water to the bea i and over the loins. 

Anthrax or Black Leg 

This trouble, is known under the various names of black 
leg, charbon, quarted ill and bloody murrain, and is one 
of the most dreaded scourges of animal life. 

Cause. — It is due to an organism known in the scientific 
world as the anthrax bacillus. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

In the apoplectic form the animal, without bowing any 
signs of disease, suddenly drops down and dies of convul- 
sions. Ofteu an animal thought to be well at night is 
found dead in the morning. Simple anthrax is most com- 
mon in yuung cattle which are in good flesh. It begins 
with ftver, the temperature running to 106 ° or 108 ° and 
the pulse is very rapid, beatiug from 80 to 100 times per 
minute, the appetite is lost and rumination is suspended. 
The animal is dull and stupid and asi~e from manifesting 
great weakness, often seems to get lame in one of his legs 
The coat is scaring and the roots of horns are cold. As 



254 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

disease progresses dullness gives way to restlessness, there 
are spasms of the limbs, pawing tbe ground and kicking, 
with champing of the jaws, the breathing becomes very- 
labored and the mucous membranes bluish in color. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First bleed in the legs, taking a half pint of blood from 
each leg. Then open bowels with one pound doses of 
Epsom Salts. This is sufficient as fever subsides when 
bowels move. To prevent a spread of this trouble confine 
cattle in pasture where grass is short or else keep them 
in lot most of the time. Nearly all animals affected with 
this disease die, but if the simple treatment advised is 
employed a valuable animal will occaMonally be saved by 
it. 



CHAPTER VI. 
DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOVS SYSTEM 

In this chapter we will consider some of the more com- 
mon affections of these organs, but will not devote time nor 
space to a lot of matter which might come in here, but is of 
little or no practical worth. 

Inflammation of the Brain. 

This is an inflammation of the snbstance of the brain and 
is often referred to as mad or sleepy staggers. 

Cause. — Food containing ergot or other fungi containing 
narcotic principles are the most common cause, but it may 
be the result of an injury or the presence of an irritant. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

We can detect some derangement of the nervous system 
with certainty. At first the animal is dull and sleepy and 
shows no indication to move around, the body may be 



256 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

leaned against the wall as if for support, the tyes are red 
and watery and the mucous membrane shows a condition of 
inflammation. The mine is darker in ' color than natural 
and is passed in small quantities and the bowels are consti- 
pated. Delirium eventually comes on when the animal 
runs about wildly and grates her teeth, stamps her feet, 
froths at the mouth and often bellows. The animal may 
fall in a violent convulsion with the muscles twitching and 
jerking and raise the head and dash it against the ground 
until blood issues from the nose and mouth. The sjmip- 
toms of brain trouble are varied and it may be that but few 
of these will be seen in any particular case. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First give -the same pur^e as in Texas fever and without 
waiting for the bowels to move, begin the administration 
of the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Potash, bromide of , . . 2 ounces 

Aconite, tincture of . . . .■'■.. . .2 drachms 
Belladonna, fluid, extract of . . .3 drachms 
Water, q. s add 8 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful at a dose every 2 hours. 

Keep cold applications on the head and should the bowels 

not move inside of twelve hours give one pound of Epsom 

Salts. 

Concussion of the Brain. 

Cause — Striking the head against some hard substance 



AND LECTURES 257 

in running or falling and severe blows inflicted upon the 
head are the cummon causes. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is usually a complete loss of sensation and power, 
the animal being perfectly oblivious to his surroundings 
and laying prostrate upon the ground. The bones of the 
head may be fractured and depressed, psoducing pressure 
upon the brain. 

WHAT TO DO. 

If any depression of the cranial bones be observed we 
mu-t elevate them. This is easiest accomplished by means 
of a thin piece of steel slipped under depressed bone. Ap- 
ply col 1 wa'er or ice to the head and as soon as conscious- 
ness r. turns give a good saline purge. Watch for inflam- 
mation of the brain and treat accordingly. 

Prostration from Heat 

Cause. — Long drives in very hot weather when cattle 
have be.n kept up for any time being crowded together in 
\cars are the most common causes. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Tbe signs which indicate approaching prostration are 
panting, the tongue banging out, uneasiness, palpitation, 
dttllness, exhaustion and frothing at the mouth. After 
this tbe animal sways from side to side and falls, when it 
straggles for a while and then becomes quiet. In some 



258 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

cases the animal tries to regain its feet after falling. 
Once in a great while an animal suddenly collapses, be- 
coming unconscious without any noticeable premonitory 
symptoms. 

WHAT TO DO. 

When fii-t symptoms are observed, rest with shelter and 
a few days quiet are all that are necessary. Where com- 
plete prostration must be dealt with, apply ice water to the 
head and if patient is not past swallowing give at once an 
ounce and a haff of aqua ammonia in a quart of water and 
repeat this every thirty minutes until thne doses have 
bet n given. In case the patient can not swallow increase 
aqua ammonia to two ounces and inject it into the rectum. 
Keep giving aram nia every three hours as long as the 
patient shows signs ot weaki.ess. Give plenty of cool 
water but limit diet for several days. 

Paralysis. 

The only paralysis of any consequence to us in the study 
of cattle is that preceding and following calving. 

Cows are sometimes affected with a peculiar paralysis 
wine* 1 seems to attack them about a month before calving 
but usually gives way a few da^s previous to it. This is 
due to the enlarged condition of the womb, creating pres- 
sure on the nerves of the hind parts Good care is all that 
is necessary in a condition of this kind When the troub- 
le does not give way before calving it will in all probability 
a few days afterwards. In this event the bowels must be 



AND LECTURES 259 

watched closely and if paralysis shows no signs of disap- 
pearing on the third day, give a saline purge, such as 
prescribed in Catarrh and the iollowing: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Nux Vomica, powdered . . . . .6 drachms 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Flax Seed Meal 4 ounces 

Mix and divide into four doses and give one night and 

morning. 

Cows are sometimes attacked by a kind of paralysis after 

calving, which is thought to be due to ir jury to the nerves. 

The treatment of it is the same as ju t described. 

Lock Jaw- 

This h a iare affection among cattle It is a kind of 
general and continued spasm of the muscles and is called 
tetanus by many writers. 

Cause — Ii juries to the feet, exposure and bad food are 
the most common causes A wound on any part of 
the body may produce or be followed by lock jaw. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The fiVt symptoms usually observed are dullness and 
general stiffaess, particularly in the manner of carrying 
the head, the ears are as a rule carried very stiffly. The 
haw is forced over the eye from the inner corner, the 
slightest noise will startle the patient and generally in- 
crease the intensity of the spasm, the legs are almost rigid, 



260 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

the muscles stand out and seem to be in a contracted 
state all the while. The joints which were stiff in the be- 
ginning become more so as disease progresses until they 
are fitially "set" or locked. The pulse is hard and the 
breathing is labored and rapid. 

WHAT TO DO. 

If the trouble is recognized ere the patient is past swal- 
lowing, give this at once: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Epsom Salts 12 ounces 

Common Salt 6 ounces 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Ginger, powdered . 1 ounce 

Calomel 1 drachm 

Mix and give at one dose in a quart of water. If a wound 
is found on the body or in the feet no matter how slight it 
may be, give it prompt attention and clease it thoroughly 
and often with carbolized water. 

Treatment is valueless after joints have once become 
securely locked. 



CHAPTER VII. 
DISEASES OF THE EAR 

But few affections can bt treated with any degree of 
success, an i not w shing to burden the reader wi'h any- 
thing unless it is practical, this chapter will n cessanly be 
a ehort one. 

Inflammation of the Eye. 

This is simply sore eyes or iuflammitioi of the lids and 
may be the result of foreign bodies in the eye, injury to the 
lids, exposure, etc. In severe cases the deeper coats of 
the eye become involved and the trouble is most serious, 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is intolerance to light, the eye being closed, and 
the ball retracted with protrusion of the haw and a pro- 
fuse flow of tears. The lids are swollen and lining mem- 



262 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

brane is injected wi'h an excess of blood. The white of 
the eye is blooJ-shotteu. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Keep patient in comfortable stall that is darkened con- 
siderably. Give a mild purgative, bathe the eyes freely 
three times per day and use the following lotion: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Zinc, sulphate of 5 grains 

Morphine, su'pate of 6 grains 

Water, q. s. . . . 2 ounces 

Mix and use 15 or 20 drops, three times a day, in affected 

eye. 

Foreign Substances in the Eye 

Often we find an animal suffering from the presence of 
pieces of weeds, corn stalks, twigs or straw in the eye, 
which set up an inflammation and result in blindness or 
other serious trouble unless attended to. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Examine closely and remove carefully any foreign body 
found in the eye. When this is done treat just as you 
would simple inflammation of the eyes. 

Cataract, 

In this condition the crystalline lens loses its transpar- 
ency and becomes opaque, the power of refraction being 
lost. It is a result of inflammation or the deeper strnc- 



AND LECTURES 263 

tures of the eye or else a defect in t^ e nutrition o the 
lens. The pupil still dilates and contracts, but the lens 
has turned white and lost its transparency. 
No treatment will be of benefit in these eas^s 
Torn Eye Lids 

This is by no means au uncommon trouble-and any, one 
of a thousand things may be the cause. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Bring the severed t dges of the lids together in as even 
and smo'h a way as possible, sewing them with fine silk 
thread Dress wound duly wi h carbolized water and 
remove stitches when in your judgment such a course is 
indicated. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION 

In this chapter we will consider some of the most com- 
mon and yef the most important afflictions of cattle. A 
knowledge of the diseases of these organs is essential to the 
success of every cattle man. 

Congestion and Inflammation of the Testicles 

Cause. — Excessive service or direct injury in the way 
of kicks or blows are usually the cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The side of the scrotum in which the injured testicle lies 
is swollen, red and tender. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give absolute rest and see that the bowels are kept open. 
Bathe scrotum freely and often with warm water and apply 
the tincture of Opium to it to relieve the pain. Should an 



266 PKIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

abscess form and show signs of pointing, let the pus out 
with small knife and dress wound with carbolized water. 
In case the animal is not one that is desired for purpose of 
procreation I would suggest castration. 

Parturition- 

The period of gestation with cows is two hundred and 
eighty days but there are some slight variations in this. 
As time for delivery draws near the space between the root 
of the joints of the haunch drops, the hips spread, the vul- 
va enlarges and the udder increases in size. A cow fixing 
to calve hides herself away if possible, the pains come on 
gradually but increase in force as labor progresses, the 
cow lies down, the water bog is expelled or may be broken 
in its passsage, the front feet come next and then the head 
lying between the feet. At the next effort the shoulders 
are expelled and delivery is practically over. If labor is 
prolonged more than an hour, I would advise close atten- 
tion and help when necessary. 

The numerous malpresentations that often present them- 
selves must be treated as the case requires and good judge- 
ment dictates. No fixed rules can be laid down along these 
lines for every individual case presents its own peculiari- 
ties. 

Prolonged After Pains 

These are uncommon but sometimes occur after continued 
and severe labor in delivery and are a result of failure upon 
the part of the womb to contract or else retention of the 
after birth. 



AND LHCTURES 267 

WHAT TO DO. 

If pains come from a retention of the after birth, assist 
animal in delivering it and if from a failure upon the part 
of the womb to contract, inject cold water into vaginal cav- 
ity and give internally the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Opium, Tincture of ........ i ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 20 drops 

Water, q. s. ad 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat every 'hour until relief 

is secured. 

Retention of the After-birth. 

The cow is more susceptible to this trouble than any of 
the domestic animals. The only satisfactory reason which 
can be given for this is supposed to be the connections es- 
tablished between the foetal membrane and the follicles or 




buttons of the womb. The after-birth should come in at 
least thirty minutes after the delivery of the calf and when 
it does not come in this time we may suspicion something 



268 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

wrong. If at the expiration of three hours after-birth has 
not been shedded (this we can tell by its being suspended 
and hanging from the vaginal), give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Epsom Salts i pound 

Niter, Spirits of • . . . . i ounce 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of 2 drachms 

Water, q. s. ad . 2 pints 

Mix and give at one dose. If at the expiration of thirty- 
six hours the after-birth still clings to the womb it must be 
removed mechanically. This is accomplished by passing 
the hand (well oiled and greased) into the womb and gent- 
ly unbuttoning as it were the after-birth, being careful not 
to pinch off any of the buttons, or otherwise wound the 
womb. When after-birth has been delivered cleanse womb 
thoroughly with carbolized water once per day for three 
days and give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Flaxseed Meal 12 ounces 

Potash, Nitrate of 2 ounces 

Gentian, (Powdered) 1 ounce 

Mix and give two tablespoonful at a dose twice per day. 

Abortion and Miscarriage. 

As in retention of the after-birth, cattle are very suscept- 
ible to troubles of this kind. Some writers speak of a con- 
tageous form of these troubles, but we feel that we are safe 



AND LHCTURES 269 

in making the assertion that it is simply a matter of sympa- 
thy or else subjection to the same conditions: These trou- 
bles are brought about most commonly by accidents or vio- 
lence of some kind and it may be as claimed by some, that 
certain properties in the food are the cause. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The animal shows a desire to be alone, rumination is 
suspended, there is a dull but anxious expression on the 
countenance. In a course of a few hours a small water bog 
will be passed followed shortly by a foetus, and this in turn 
is followed by a discharge of apparently bloody mucous. 



WHAT TO DO 

This trouble is seldom discovered until about completed 
hence, but little if anything aside from after attention can 
be given. It might be well to cleanse womb with carbol- 
ized water for several days and give the same tonic as 
in retention of the after-birth. 

Flooding. 

This trouble may follow either protracted labor or rapid 
calving and is due to a failure upon the part of the womb 
to contract. 

WHAT TO do. 

Throw cold water over the loins or cool the hand in a 
bucket of ice water and insert it in the womb; this will of- 



270 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

ten induce contraction. Cold water injections may be re- 
sorted to as well as solutions of alum or tannic acid. In- 
ternally, one ounce doses of Fuid Extract of Krgot given 
every hour acts well. 

Eversson of the Womb. 

The after-pains are in some instance of so violent a char- 
acter as that the womb is forced out through the vagina and 
is turned inside out. 

WHAT TO DO 

If the after-birth is still attached remove it carefully, and 
if the womb has any dirt on it wash clean in tepid water to 
which a little carbolic acid has been added; when this has 
been done sponge surface with tincture of opium and care- 
fully return it to its original position. Place patient in a 
stall where she is compelled to stand with hind parts eleva- 
ted at least eight inches above the fore part. Should the 
womb not show a disposition to remain in its natural posi- 
tion we must bring onr ingenuity into play devising some 
kind of compress for the outer opening which will prevent 
the womb protruding. 

Puerperal Fever. 

This is an inflammation of the uterus and peritonium. 
Cause- Difficult parturition and retention of the after- 
birth are the most common among the causes. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The animal appears uneasy and often turns its head to. 



And lectures 



271 



wards its belly and gives a plaintive low. The muzzle is 
dry and rumination is suspended, pressure upon the flanks 
produces pain, the animal gets np and down often and 




:^^*«ssKS^BSSa5S^ 



COW WITH FEVER- 

sometimes remains on her knees for several minutes, the 
evacuations from the bowels are dry and hard, the temper- 
ature is elevated, the breathing is rapid and the pulse is 
quick and hard. As trouble progresses it increases in sev- 
erity and patient is prostrated. 

WHAT TO DO 

First give the same purge as in Catarrh and follow with 
injections of warm water every thirty minutes until bowels 
move freely. To control the fever use: 

PRESCRIPTION 



Aconite, fluid extract of 2 drachms 



272 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Belladonna, fluid extract of . . . .1-2 ounce 
Niter, spirits of 3 ounces. 

Mix and give two tablespoonful every 2 hours in a pint of 

linseed tea. 



CHAPTER IX. 

EXTERNAL AND PARASITIC TROUBLES 

In this chapter we will consider some troub'es which it 
may seem proper to consider in other cotu ec'ions, but 
coming in as they do and studying the matter at han i as 
we have it, is but natural to place tn< m here. 

Lump Jaw. 

This trouble is also known as big jaw to many It is 
not very common Some make the mistake of thinking 
that every enlarged jaw is lump jaw, when of en the troub- 
le is due to mechanical injury. 

Cause — The cause of this trouble is by no means well 
understood, but it is supposed to be due to a living para- 
site, 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

It may be in one or both jaws. There is much swelling 



274 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

which is very hard, there may be an external opening to 
this swelling, when this opening is found we know 
the trouble is of long standing. A thorough examination 
should be made in the beginning to male sure that the 
swelling is not caused by the presence of a mechanical 
irritant. 

WHAT TO DO. 

If there is no opening, puncture swelling through to 
jawbone tea or fifteen times and apply for five days the 
following liniment: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Oil of Spike i .ounce 

Camphor Gum 3 drachms 

Mercury, bichloride o< 1 ounce 

Hartshorn 1 drachm 

Turpentine, ' q. s add 8 ounces 

Mix and apply once a day. 

Should there be an opening, make an incision through 
to jawbone and take an iron at white beat and sear all the 
honey combed portion of the bone; when this is done treat 
as a simple wound. 

Eczema. 

This is an inflammation of the skin usually terminating 
in a watery discharge which becomes crusty or scales off. 
There is intense itching and the animal often rubs until 
the skin is raw in places. 



AND LECTURES 275 

WHAT TO D V 

Give an active purgative and the following blood purifi- 
er: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Iron, sulphate of . . . . . . . .2 ounces 

Sulphur 3 ounces 

Sassafras Bark, powdered .... 2 ounces 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Potash, nitrate of 2 ounces 

Mix and give a tablespoonful twice a day. Give a com- 
plete change of feed and bathe body twice or three times 
a week with carbolized water. 

Water Blisters. 

This trouble, as its name would indicate, is character- 
ized bv the formation of irregular shaped water blisteis. 
It is a kind of inflammatory skin disease which can not be 
satisfactorily accounted for The blisters are preceded by 
congestion or swelling of the skin and appear in a succes- 
sion of crops; as soon as one is gone another is ready to 
take its place. E^ch crop runs its course in about a week's 
time. There is intense itching and much rubbing on the 
part of afflicted animal. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Open blisters as fast as they form and bathe affected 
surfaces with a 5 per cent solution of chloride of zinc. 
Give internally the following: 



276 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Sulphur . . 3 ounces 

Blood Root, powdered 2 ounces 

Potash, nitrate of 1 1-2 ounces 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Cream of Tartar 2 ounces 

Mix and give one tablespoonful twice a day. 

Boils. 

Cause — Bui'.s are the result of poverty of the blood, kid- 
ney troubles, bruists, etc , and are easily recognized. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

As soon as 5 he central portion btcom s * oft the boil 
should be opened o release *he core, when this is done it 
should be cleansed with carbolized water. To clease the 
blcod and build up the system, give same powders as re- 
commended in Water Blisters. 

Warts 

These are peculiar growths of the skin and are due to 
increased energy ar.d abnormal nutrition of the skin. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM 

Cut them off smocth with the body or dissect out when 
neces-ary, and then cauterize with nitrate of silver. Af h er 
cutti g wart away, instead of cauterizing, the^foll -wing can 
bt used with even better results in inaav cases: 



AND LECTURES. 277 

PRESCRIPTION 

Zinc, sulphate of 1-2 ounce 

Acid, nitric . . 1-2 ounce 

Acid, sulphuric . 12 ounce 

Mix and apply once a day until wart is dead. 

Snake Bites. 

An animal bitten by a poisonous repti'e soon shows 
signs of extreme prostration and becomes partially uncon- 
scious, the body gets cold and the pulse is so weak as to 
be almost imperceptible. £ nake bi es seldom kill an ani- 
mal, yet recovery is slow, large soughs often forming. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

To keep up vitality give tbe following: 
PRESCRIPTION. 

Whiskey 1 pint 

Ammonia, aqua 1 drachm 

Water, q. s 2 pints 

Mix and give at oae dose and repeat in one hour with a 
half dose. Keep cotton saturated with aqua ammonia to 
wound. 

Mange 

Mange is due to a parasite which induces irritation and 
incrustation on the skin. This trouble is not common but 
is contageous. Mange usually begins at the top of the 
shoulders and root of the tail and extends from here, caus- 
ing much suffering and worry to afflicted animal. 



278 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

WHAT TO DO FOR IT. 

First give patient a thorough scrubbing with sosp and 
water and then apply the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Sulphur 2 ounces 

Oil o! Tar 2 1-2 ounces 

Acid, carbolic, (crude) 12 oiince 

Linseed Oil, q. s add 1 pint 

Mix and apply once a day to eveiy infected spot. 
Ringworm. 

This trouble is common in cattle and presents itself in 
rouud bald sp >ts cov ^red in white scales, the >>air sur- 
rounding spots being bristly and split and there may b • 
some skin eruptions. 

WHAT TO DO FOR IT. 

Give a thorough scrubbing as in mange, an i paint 
affected spots with tincture of iodine Salty grease applied 
to ypots once per day will often relieve this condition. 



Lice 



These parasites are very com mo 1 in cattle and manifest 
themselves more particularly in early spring. The anlmsl 
infested with 1 fee rubs itself, constantly, often excoriating 
the skui An examination will reveal tjie trouble. 



AND LECTURES 279 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

A decoction fiom tobacco applied to infested spots is 
good, but Oil of Sassafras is better. Equal parts of Olive 
Oil, Kerosene, Sulphur and lard properly applied will most 
certainly rid any animal of lice. 

Ticks. 

Ticks attach themselves in great numbers to the thighs, 
flanks and necks of cattle and are a source of much annoy- 
ance to them. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

The application of almost any kind of oil or grease will 
destroy them. 

Grubs in the Back. 

These are easily recognized on account of the tumors in 
the skin along the back. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

Enlarge the opening which is always present with the 
grub, and press the grub out. 

Buffalo Gnats- 

The buffalo gnat is so-called on account of its shape, they 
infect certain sections of the southern country, and are a 
perfect scourge to cattle. The bites of a few of these gnats 
does but little damage to an animal, but when attacked by 



280 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

swarms they rapidly weaken from loss of blood and many 
die from exhaustion or blood poisoning. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

Kerosene applied twice a day will generally prevent an 
attack but the best plan is to build fires of wet wood and 
rags creating as much smoke as you can and drive cattle as 
close to it as possible. 

Where an animal has suffered a severe attack from these 
pests and become weakened from loss of blood and the 
shock, give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Ammonia, carbonate of 2 drachms 

Whiskey 4 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose in a pint of water and see that 

patient does not suffer another attack. 

Horn Fly. 

These insects, or rather these pests, obtain their name 
from the fact that they collect at the root of the horns when 
at rest. When feeding we find these flies on the back, 
flanks and legs. While irritating to some the bite of these 
flies is not poisonous, but cattle are annoyed by very much 
by them. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

Common axle grease or fish oil applied to roots of horn« 
and skin will keep them away. 



AND LECTURES 28 I 

Screw Worms 

These are maggots from the screw worm fly, which bur- 
row in the wounds and produce much inflammation and in 
some instances death. 

WHAT TO DO. 

No time should be lost wb:ii screw worms are found to 
be present in a wound. Turpentine, chloroform or carbol- 
ized water poured or injected into wound will kill the.-e 
worms. The following will be found to give better resu 1 ts 
than either of the above. 

PRESCRIPTION 

Pint Tar 4 ounces 

Carbolic Acid, crude '. . 1 ounce 

Oil of Cedar 2 ounces 

Alcohol '. 3 ounces 

Mix and apply. 

Fleas 

These sometimes annoy cattle when present in great 
numbers. An ounce of carbolic acid to a half gallon of 
water applied to skin will destroy them. 



CHAPTER X. 

AFFLICTION PECULIAR. TO COWS IN MILK 

This chapter will prove of special interest to the dairy- 
man as well as to those who keep cattle for milking pur- 
poses. 

Congestion of the Udder 

This condition usually, in fact almost always, presents 
itself before and just after calving. The mammary gland 
is intense and tender, hot and swollen. This congestion 
usually gives away when the secretion of milk has been 
established. In some cases the congestion is rather persist- 
ent and seems inclined to hang on, in this event it is a 
good plan to rub the udder thoroughly in the milk from it 
or better still, in linseed oil. 

Inflammation of the Udder. 

This may be the result of congestion, injury, insufficient 
stripping or some serious disturbance of the general health, 



ANDLECTUKKS 283 

111 this trouble the gland swells in one, two, three, or all 
four quarters and becomes firm and solid, the temperature 
is elevated, the pulse is fast and full and the milk may be 
entirely suppressed in affected quarters or else sparing and 
tinged with blood. This condition must have prompt 
attention or else the result will be a "spoiled bag" and 
permanent injury. 

It is best to begin treatment with a mild purge. Milk 
the cow hald a dozen times per day and bathe the bag - freely 
in the warm milk. Continued fomentation with warm water 
is very beneficial. Use the following and be sure to rub it 
in well, not only on affected quarters, but over entire udder. 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Camphor Gum . . . '. 1 ounce 

Linseed Oil 8 ounces 

Mix and shake until camphor dissolves and apply to bag- 
four or five times a day. 

Chapped ai\d Sore Teats 

These troubles are quite common and though not serious 
yet they deserve attention in many instances. 

The following will be found soothing and healing in 
these troubles: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Olive Oil 8 onnces 

Camphor Gum 2 ounces 

Acid, Carbolic ... * * 1 drachm 

Mix and apply twice per day to chap or sore, 



284 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Suppression of Milk. 

Innumerable troubles can produce a suppression of milk, 
but sometimes it comes about without any appreciable 
cause, When a condition of this kind arises I would sug- 
gest a change of food and the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Anise Seed, powdered 2 ounces 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Sassafras Bark, powdered ... 2 ounces 

Blood Root, powdered .... .2 ounces 

Skunk CaLbage, powdered . . .11-2 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful at a dose twice a da}'. If 

milk be suppressed on account of some appreciable disease 

treat disease and milk will get right. 

Bitter and Bloody Milk 

At times milk is found to have a peculiar bitter taste, 
and again it is bloody when drawn from the cow or becomes 
streaked with blood after standing for awhile. These con- 
ditions are in some instances brought about by the cow 
eating poisonous herbs, but generally the trouble is a disor- 
dered liver. 

WHAT TO DC 

Give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Mustard, ground 4 ounces 

SulphUi ..,,,,",,,,.. 2 ounces 



And t v CTUKE& 285 

Potash, nitrate of 4 ounces 

Potash, chlorate of 1 ounce 

Sassafras Bark, powdered 2 ounces 

Gentian, . , 2 ounces 

Skunk Cabbage 2 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful at a dose once or twice per 
day as indicatied. This prescription in one tablespoonful 
doses is a splendid tonic and blood purifier. 

Milk Fistula. 

We will only consider the fistula that is the result of a 
wire cut or other wound. It is always best to wait until 
cow is dry, pare edges of fistula and stitch up evenly and 
smoothly, having previously introduced a small tube or 
quill into teat. When this is done treat as a simple wound, 
removing tube or quill when a healthy union has taken 
place. Congenital fistula is not as a rule successfully over- 
come. 



CHAPTER XI. 

DISEASE OF CALVES 

In this chapter we will consider the method of treating 
the most common troubles met with in young calves. 

Joint 111 

This trouble occurs in calves generally less than a month 
old and is usually connected wi'h some navel trouble. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The calf is stiff and lame and lies down all the time 
showing no desire to suck; one or more joints are swollen 
and are hot and tender. There is a purulent discharge 
from the navel and high fever. 

WHAT TO DO 

Paint affected parts daily with iodine Cleanse navel 
with carbolized water and sprinkle surface with Salicylcic 
acid and give internally the fo lowing: 



And lectures. 287 

prescription. 

Sodium, salicylate of 2 drachms 

Blood Root, (powdered) . '. . . 2 drachms 
Flaxseed Meal 2 ounces. 

Mix and make into 6 powders and give one morning, noon 

and night. 

Abscess of the Navel- 

We know no satisfactory reason for these. They present 
themselves as large, firm swellings which «-of en in t' r e 
center and eventually discharge. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Open with a free incision and cleanse twice a day with 
carbolized water. 

Navel Rupture 

This trouble is often present at birth and is due 10 im- 
perfect closing of the muscles around opening. We know 
it by its being a soft swelling, which can be returned into 
the abdomen by pressure. The contents of this swelling 
gurgle on handling. 

WHAT TO DO. 

As a rule calves over come this trouble without our help 
but it is a good idea to bandage for ten or fifteen days 
Should bandaging not reduce the rupture an operation is 
necessary. To operate is simple. Cut through the walls 
of the abdomen over rupture, pare all edges and sew up 



288 



PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



inside first with cat gut then sew up skin with silk, and 
bindage. In ten days remove silk ligatures but keep 
bancUge on for five days more then remove it. 

Constipation 

At birth '.hi bowels contain a yellowish-brown gluey 
matter which mus* b? expelled before ihey are ready to 
perform their duty The cows first miik serves as a laxa- 
tfcon in < xpelling th s material and the calf should always 
have it If f>om any reason or any cause the caf does not 
pass this offensive m tter, and is observed straining with- 
out any passage from the bowels, we should at once give 
an ounce dose of castor oil and follow with injections into 
the rectum of warm soap suds. 

Scouring 

This is a very common trouble with calves and one 




which deserves clo e attention It may be brought on by 
the calf being allowed too much milk and again the cause 



And lectures 289 

may be due to some trouble in the mother. The condition 
of the cow has ranch to do with the health of the calf. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Look to the health of the cow an 1 give the following to 
the Galf 

PRESCRIPTION 

Iron, sulphate of 1-2 drachm 

Chalk, (precipated) .• 2 drachms 

Lump Starch 2 drachms 

Jamaica Ginger 20 droj.s 

Nux Vomica, tincture of 2 drops 

Opium, tincture of 15 drops 

Mix and give at one doe in new milk or three raw eggs. 



CHAPTER XII. 

OPERATIONS. 

But few operations can successfully be performed by 
anyone aside from an accomplished veterinarian. Under 
this head we will give some of the more simple ones, that 
is a few which can be done by the common run of people. 

Setting Broken Limbs. 

When a limb is broken the first thing with us is to de- 
termine whether or not treatment is advisable After 
treatment has been decided upon, our first step is to restore 
parts to their natural position, and find some means of re- 
taining them there The best means of securing a frac ur 
ed limb is through a plaster pan's bandage, 'he limb hav- 
ing been previously set and splinted with damp paste board. 
Should there be mach swelling the piaster paris bandage 
can be cnt and a common cloth bandage appliei over it 
to hoi ! in place. An animal should a'ways be suspended 
to get the bes f results in treating a broken limb. 



And lectures 291 

Dehorning. 

This is a simple but a very painful operation aud is c m- 
Mdered by some to be an inhuman practice, but the results 
attained from it are so satisfac ory that cattlemen e^e-y- 
where employ it as a means of prot ction to the lives of 
their cattle. 

A calf but a few days old can be prevented from ever 
growing horns by applying caustic potash to the slight 
prominences on the frontal bone, which mark the place 
where the horn will come. The hair should first beclippdd 
ftom these prominences and then dip your stick of caustic 
in coM water and apply for a lew seconds, let it dry a 
moment and app'y ?gain. 

In dehorning proper the nippe s are ex f ensivcly used 
and very satisfactory so, particularly in cattle under three 
years of age. In older cattle the horns become brittle and 
the bones are sometimes injured by the use of the nippers. 
The safest method of dehorning is through the use of a 
common hand saw. Secure the animal well in any man- 
ner that may suit the opeiation best and prevent injury of 
any kind, always avoiding as much worry to the animal 
as possible. Take the saw and remove the horns as quiet- 
ly and quickly as possible, being careful to get close up to 
the frontal bone. Should there be much hemorrhage use v 
alum water or Monsels solution to stop blood. When the 
horDS have been removed and bleeding checked it is a. 
good plan to apply pine tar to wounds. The best seasons 
for dehorning is either early spring or late in the fall. 



292 



PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 



Tapping the Chest 



The occasion for this o oration m st alwiys oc ur ii 
cases of pleurisy where there is an effusion. 

Clip off the hair fro n a space ib >ut thre » inches back of 
and on a line with the joi it of the elbow and make an 




TAPPING THE CHEST. 

incision between two ribs about two inches deep or until 
the pleural cavity is reached, introduce a quil or cannula 
and allow fluid to escape. Should quill become clogged 
from any cause open it with a probe. 

Tapping the Paunch. 

This operation is usually performed to relieve hcven in 
cattle when other means have failed. To tap the paunch 
stand on right side of animal tal?e a sharp and slender but 
rather lmg bladed knife and plunge it quickly into left 



AND LECTURES 293 

side half way between the last short rib and point of the 
hip bone, directing the point downward and inward and it 
will pass into the paunch; introduce a quill and gas will 
escape. 

Tapping the Bladder of Bull or Steer. 

To 'ap.the bladder of male cattle it is necessary to make 
an < pening at the point where the penis turns over the 
angle of the prlvi*. The opening should be made just 
large enough to. admit the instrument desired for use 
Tbe cathet-r or stone forceps can be introduced from here, 
which is imposs'ble from any other place on account of^the 
curve in the urethral canal. When work ia bladder is 
compute take a stich in opening and dre^s daily with car- 
boliz°d water. 

Castration. 

To castrate a bull is a very simple operation. Many 
have their own peculiar ideas in regard to how it should 
be done; we simply give here one of the safest and best 
methods. Lay bull on his back and secure him well, cut 
away end of bag and pull out testicles, scrape cord high 
up until it falls awav, release animal and he will b? all 
right, 



5WIN E. 



The maintenance of health in his herds should be a mat- 
ter of most serious consideration with every swine breeder 
for it is the one thing which is of first importance to him. 
It is always much easier to prevent disease in this branch 
of the animal kingdom than to cure it after it has once 
secured a foothold. "An ounce of prevention is worth a 
pound of cure" in every herd of swine, and the breeder or 
fancier who feeds for profit or pleasure will do well to take 
this old adage for his guide. 

Every precaution should always be taken to prevent the 
introduction of disease of any kind among healtr^ hogs. 
No new comers should ever, under any circumstances, be 
permitted in pens or pastures until we are perfectly satisfied 
that the}' are free from disease of every character. Should 
disease appear at any time every infected animal should be 
isolated and the pens, barns and sheds where they use, dis- 
infected and fumigated thoroughly. The most heroic 
methods for their prevention should often fail to even check 



AND LECTURES 296 

the spread of epidemics, but this should not hinder us in 
employing the only scientific and rational means of escape 
ot our command. No man can afford to sit idly by and 
see death drawing upon his herds and financial loss staring 
him in the face without engaging in and battling to the 
end. Care, energ}^ and perseverence are an absolute neces- 
sity to the success of every man who raises hogs for profit. 

Swine being naturally unclean," revel in dirt and filth, 
but even though this is the case their pens, stalls and sheds 
should have studied attention and be kept as clean and tidy 
as possible. No hog should ever be allowed to swallow in 
the excrement from his own body, disease sometimes arises 
spontaneously by this being permitted. Disinfectants and 
germicides being our strongest weapon and principle reli- 
ance aside from cleanliness and care in the fights to prevent 
disease, we should use them freely and often. 

An ounce of Carbolic Acid to the gallon of w r ater makes 
a splendid disinfectant for walls, floors of pens, etc. The 
best means of ridding barns and closed sheds of infectious 
germs and parasites of all kinds is to take two quarts of 
pine tar to the pound of sulphur and place this upon a 
common tow sack and ignite, letting the fumes go into 
every part of the structure. When this is being used all 
outlets for the fumes should be closed as near as possible. 

Hogs are natural gluttons but it is always best to have a 
certain feed and give it regularly, unless you desire to 
fatten, when I would advise a gradual increase in the food 
to a point where to fatten will be profitable and hold it at 
that. Overcrowding with reference to feeding is by no 
means profitable in every instance, 



AND LKCTURKS 297 

Many make the mistake of watering their swine from a 
mud-hole in the pen. If we will but think for. a moment 
the folly of such a course becomes apparent. It is 
almost as essential to the thrift and health of a hog that he 
be served with pure, clean water as that he should have any 
at all. No hog could be expected to thrive when he is 
forced to secure his daily supply of water from a veritable 
cesspool of disease, where all imaginable parasites propa- 
gate and every atom of water is infected with the death 
dealing germs of destruction. 

Swine are subject to but few diseases in comparison with 
other domestic animals, but some of these present them- 
selves in very malignant forms and are extremely difficult to 
treat. A hog is always hard to treat where he can not or 
will not take the medicine along with his feed. 

The best method of administering medicines to swine 
where you have to pour it into them is by means of a horn. 
The animal is placed upon his back, the horn inserted in 
his mouth and the medicine poured slowly into the throat 
always giving the patient time to swallow T . 

As a last word we repeat: It is always better to try to 
prevent the spread of disease than to waste valuable time 
in futile attempts at doctoring. It is often economy to kill 
and burn a hog or two in order to prevent any further 
spread of disease and it will always pay to employ prevent- 
atives judiciously. 

The following has stood the test of time as a preventative 
in many of the more malignant troubles. 

PRESCRIPTION 

Sulphur 4 ounces 



298 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Iron, sulphate of 3 ounces 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Antimony, black 1 ounce 

Potash, nitrate of 1 1-2 ounces 

Arsenic .1 drachm 

Mix and give one tablespoonful at a dose once a day in soft 
feed. Aside from being a good preventative, this will prove 
to be a splendid tonic for all hogs not thriving as they 
should. 

Quinsy. 

This is an inflammation of the gland of the throat and is 
very common as well as fatal in hogs. 

Cause- The most prolific cause is from taking cold. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The hog (or pig, as is most generally the case) will be 
noticed sneezing or coughing, and it will be observed that 
swallowing is difficult. The throat will be sore and there 
will be swelling under the lower jaw and neck. 

WHAT TO DO 

Paint the swelling with tincture of iodine or poultice 
with flaxseed meal and if patient will eat give the follow- 
ing: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Turpentine 1 drachm 

Sulphur 1 drachm 

Potash, nitrate of .. T ,.,,.. 1 drachm 



AND LECTURES 299 

Mix and give at one dose in some tempting feed. If pa- 
tient can not eat give as an injection: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Magnesia, sulphate of 3 ounces 

Turpentine "■'.._.; 1 drachm 

Water, q. s add 8 ounces 

Mix and inject into rectum. 

Choking 

This condition is sometimes met with in pigs, but is rare 
in older swine. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is a continual cough and effort at expulsion with a 
peculiar bowing of the neck and frothing at the mouth. 

WHAT TO DO 

If obstruction can be reached remove it, if this can not 
be done try to work it down with the hand on the outside 
of throat and in the event this fails take a soft rubber tube 
or probe of some kind (a smooth stick with the end pro- 
tected with folds of sort muslin is good) and after oiling 
well, insert it in the throat and exert gentle pressure upon 
obstruction, forcing it gradually into the stomach. 

Stunt 

This is a very common trouble and is usually a result of 
early weaning and strong feed which the stomach of 



300 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

the big cannot digest. Sometimes worms are responsible 
for this condition. A stunted shoat usually takes his feed 
all right but does not thrive. 

WHAT TO DO. 

To prevent a pig being stunted he should have slop and 
soft feed until at lesast three months of age when grain or 
hard corn may be given, in limited quantities at first, grad- 
ually increasing it, until the desired amount is reached. 
Ashes in which there is some charcoal mixed with plenty 
of salt is good for either stunted or growing pigs. A 
change of feed from hard to soft is necessary in securing 
results in cases of "stunt." Cooked and soured feed is al- 
ways best in this trouble. Give the following tonic: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Sulphur 2 ounces 

Potash, nitrate of . . i ounce 

Iron, sulphate of 2 ounces 

Antimony, black 1 ounce 

Arsenic . . . 1 drachm 

Soda, Bi-corbonate of 2 ounces 

Mix and give one tablespoonful at a dose twice a day in 

soft feed. 

Worms. 

These are often found in pigs but are rare in older swine. 
A pig with worms generally has a good appetite but does 
not thrive as he should, 



AND L» CTURES ^oi 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

Place a plenty of salt and ashes mixed where pig can get 
to them and help himself. Give half a tablespoonful of 
sulphur twice a day in connection with tonic recommended 
in stunt. 

Constipation 

This trouble is by no means common and when it does 
occur it is usually in a stunted hog. It may be caused by 
worms in the stomach or indigestion. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The patient will appear rather full even though he refuses 
his feed, and will lay around and be very dull. He will 
strain some in his effort at passing dung but nothing comes. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give the following as a drench: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Epsom Salts i ounce 

Ginger, (powdered) 2 drachms 

Gentian, (powdered) 2 drachms 

Water q. s. ad • . . . 3 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose to 6 mouths old shoats. For 
older hogs increase the dose and for younger ones decrease 
it according to age. Give same tonic as in stunt for two 
weeks. 



302 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTION 

Diarrhoea 

This is another very uncommon trouble among swine. 
It is a water}^ discharge from the bowels and is generally 
caused from a change in feed particularly from a poor feed 
to a very rich one. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The patient is very thirsty and dull and refuses to eat. 
There is a watery discharge or one of very soft manure 
from the bowels. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give ashes in which there is much charcoal and salt' 
This the hog will eat if it is placed by him. In the allow- 
ance of water, which should be given three times a day in 
half gallon lots, place about 4 ounces of lump starch. 
When bowels begin to check begin the use of a good tonic. 

Staggers. 

This is a kind of congestion of the brain and is most com- 
mon in fat hogs. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The bowels are constipated, the eyes are red and there is 
a general dullness at first; these are followed by partial 
blindness in which the patient is noticed to move in a circle, 
run against fences and walls and at last fall unconscious. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give at once the same injection as in quinsy, and if pa- 



AND LKCTUkKS 303 

tient can be made to swollow, give internally 2 ounces of 
Epsom Salts. When the bowels move the trouble will pass 
pway. 

Firs ii\ Pigs. 

This appears to be a brain trouble, but the real cause is 
woims. The pig will grate or champ his teeth, its neck 
will bend back and its legs will jerk, soon it falls over as if 
deai but gets up again and seems all righr until another fit 
comes on. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Treat at once for worms. 

Pneumonia. 

This is an inflammation of the tissues of the lungs and is 
caused from cold. In it the hog has no appetite but is 
troubled with a continual ugh. The breathing is labor- 
ious and rapid, and the limbs and body seem to shiver. 

WHAT TO DO 

Rub in mustard paste on side and chest and give the fol- 
lowing either in soft feed or drench. 

PRESCRIPTION 

Soda, bi-sulphate of 2 ounces 

Potash, nitrate of 2 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat every 4 hours. * 



304 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Mange 

This is a very common trouble in some sections of the 
country and while not very dangerous it is quite detrimen- 
tal to the thrift of a hog. Almost every hog raiser is 
thoroughly acquainted with the mange. 

WHAT TO DO FOR IT. 

Give the following internally. 

PRESCRIPTION 

Sulphur 4 ounces 

Potash, nitrate of 1-2 ounce 

Antimony, black 1-2 ounce 

Mix and make into 8 powders and give one night and 

morning in soft feed. 
Apply externally this: 



PRESCRIPTION. 

Kerosene 1 ounce 

Sulphur 1 ounce 

I^ard 1 ounce 

Mix and apply to all mange spots once a day for two days. 

Lice. 

These pests are quite common but are easy to get rid of. 
An ointment of common lard and Scotch snuff will move 
them and oil of sassafras will do the same. 

Black Teeth 

These are found in a pigs mouth when it comes and 



AND LECTURES 305 

grow for a time when they drop out. They sometimes pre- 
sent themselves in such a way as to wound the tongue and 
p: oduce sufficient soreness to prevent eating. When this 
happens they should be removed at once or the pig will die. 

Hog Cholera. 

This, is an infectious disease of the blood and is very 
fatal. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

First we notice a dullness with drooping of the ears and 
loss of appetite, then a feverish condition arises and the 
hog shows signs of pain in the bowels. x\s trouble pro- 
gresses the skin of the nose, throat and belly turns purple 
and a diarrhoea sets in, the dicharge being black, thin and 
very offensive. A hog with cholera may hang on a day or 
two but more commonly dies in a few hours. 

WHAT TO DO 

Isolate every infected hog and give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Epsom salts i ounce 

Potash, nitrate of i drachm 

Ginger, (powdered) 2 drachms 

Water, q. s. ad ' * * . . 8 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose, and when bowels act give a 
teacupful of parched rice every 6 hours if patient will eat 
it. A few valuable hogs have been saved by this means 
but all treatment in cholera is uncertain. 



306 PRIVATE 'PRESCRIPTIONS 

Paging 

Sows should b® watched after very closely at pigging 
time, It is seldom they need any assistance in bringing 
forth but occasionly may require it and we should always 
be ready to render it. Sometimes a pig gets lodged in the 
passage from cause and assistance is necessary. No fixed 
rule of action can be laid down in cases of this kind; good 
judgement is about all that is required. After the second 
day a sow should have plenty of food and a good tonic to 
tone up the system. 

Bustles 

When we speak of bustles it is with reforence to pigs 
ruptured in the bog. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

Castrate very young, to do this, elevate the hind parts 
and press Lowels back remove testicles as in simple castra- 
tion. When this is done sew up cuts with deep stitches 
close together and turn the pig loose to roam at will. 

Notes 

All medicines and doses of them prescribed in this chap- 
ter are for pigs and shoats about five months old unless 
otherwise specified. The reader should be governed in 
their administration accordingly. 



POULTRY 



Health is essential to the success in the breeding of poul- 
try. Every flock should have the careful attention of an 
intelligent keeper. To prevent disease is always the wiser 
plan, for after it once secures a foothold, the be^t remedies 
often fail to re'ieve until a*ter severe loss has been sustain- 
ed. The yards should be kept clean and all coops and 
houses should have at least two coats of white wash per 
year. Liberal quantities of slacked lime and common salt 
thoroughly distributed over floors of pens and houses will 
keep down many parasites and insects rf an aggravating 
nature. All houses should be so constiucted as that fowls 
may be kept warm in winter and cool in summer, and 
every roosting bar should be at least four inches wide to 
insure a perfect development and healthy growth of young 
fowls. Food should be of a wholesome character and 
given at regular intervals, but never in .excessive quanti- 
ties, and pure, clean water should be kept by all the time. 
Exercise upon the part of every fowl must be encouraged; 



3IO PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

a good plan is to p'ough in grain and let them scratch for 
it. Where fowls run at large gravel and sand are no 
object, but with penned stuff sharp gravel mus-t be sup- 
plied. 

When disease makes its appearance every infected fowl 
should be isolated and cared for according to the nature of 
the trouble, and the remainder of the flocks should have 
attention to prevent any further ravages o the disease. As 
a preventative in most troubles the following has proven 
to be of untold worth: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Sulphur . . .......... 4 ounces 

Calcium, phosphate of ..... 2 ounces 

Potash, nitrate of ... 1 ounce 

Sassafras Bark, powdered 3 ounces 

Mix and give one tablespoonful in feed for 6 hen--. 

Cooked feed along with their grain will always be found 

best in either sick or well fowls. 

Egg Production. 

The production of eggs and how to induce an increase 
of them is of much moment to every poultry man. If the 
flocks are healthy and the following is emploved the in- 
crease in eggs will be surprising: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Calcium, phosphate of 12 ounces 

Capsicum, powdered . . . . . . .3 c unces 



AND LECTURES 311 

Ginger, powdered ' • • 2 ounces 

Cantharides 1 drachm 

Potash, nitrate of '. . . . 1 ounce 

Sulphur 2 ounces 

Mix an 1 give one tablespoonful in feed for every 6 hens. 

Crop-Bound 

This is a condition in which the contents uf the craw 
become an impacted mass and is most commonly a result 
of irregular feeding, but the cause may be from the fowl 
having swallowed some substance which obstructs the 
passage. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The fowl acts as if choked or trying to swallow a large 
body of food, and the craw gets larger all the while. 

WHAT TO DO. 

The best treatment is to make a slit in the upper part of 
the ciaw, divide mass and remove it. When this is done 
sew up slit and feed soft feed for ten days. Once in awhile 
a half tablespoonful of castor oil [will relieve this trouble 
without an operation. 

Diarrhoea. 

This is a watery discharge from the bowels and is often 
taken for cholera, but if we will watch it closely and ex- 
amine the discharge we notice that it has no resemblance 
to the "sulphur and water" appearance of the cholera dis- 



312 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

charge; another difference the craw in cholera feels as if 
fnll of wind, whi'e in diarrhoei this does not appear. 

WHAT TO DO 

Give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Opium, powdered 3 grains 

Ipecac, powdered . . 3 grains 

Capsicum, powdered 2 grains 

Mix and give at 3 doses four hours apart. 

Cholera.. 

This a very contageous disease among poultry and is 
one which is not so well understood by poultry men as it 
shoul be The cause is most generally due to bad sanitary- 
conditions, over crowding, etc. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The affected fowl gapes often, is very droopy and drinks 
mud water. A i disease progresses fowl gets weak, the 
comb and wattles generally turn pale and the craw fills 
with wind and mucous. There is a discharge from the 
bowels which is either greenish, or resembles "sulphur 
and water." 

WHAT TO DO. 

The best thing to do is to prevent cholera by keeping all 
buildings and runs dean and healthy. The following is 
a good preventative iu pholera; 



ANDLKCTURKS 313 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Soda, hyposulphite of ...-*.... I « urce 

Gentian, powdered i ounce 

Water, q. s. add 2 pints 

Mix and add enough corn meal to make a' good stiff feed 
ard give one feed of this each month during the summer. 
All affected fo,\ls shou'd he isolated ard given tl e fol- 
lowing: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Linie, slacked 10 ounces 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Capsicum 1 ounce 

Gi ger, powd red . 2 ounces 

Sas afras Bark, pondered 2 ources 

Sulphur 1 ource 

Mix and givj two tab!esp onsful three times a day in soft 
feed to every six fowls Give lime water in sparing quan- 
tities to drink 

Roup. 

This is the most dangerous and fatal of all the diseases 
with which fowls are affecu d, and every precaution shou'd 
always be taken to prevent its spreading 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The eye lids swell and sometimes the eyes are complete 
ly closed with a kind of froth in the corners. The face is 
swollen at the sides and the fowl gets weak very fast. 



314 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

There i^ a p°c ;l ; ar d scha-ge from the nostrils which is 
opaque and very offensive. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Place affected fowl in warm quarters and feed on soft 
stimuliting food and give at once (if grown) a tablespoon- 
ful of castor oil. Syringe out nostrils with the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Olive Oil 2 ounces 

Camphor Gum 2 drachms 

Mix and fi'l small syringe and insert in the slit in the roof 

of mouth and inject with gentle force. 

Catarrh. 

Th s trouble is sometimes mistaken for roup en account 
of the swelling of the eye lids and sides of face. The dis- 
charge from the nostrils in catairh is watery instead of 
being thick and opaque as in loupe. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give warm food in which there is much pepper and pro- 
tect from coM. 

Bronchitis. 

This is an affec ion of the air passages and is recognized 
by a cough and peculiar raising of the head in the act of 
breathing. 

WHAT To DO. 

Swab the throat with equal parts of powdered borax and 



AND LECTURES 315 

chlorate of po'a h and 1- t p-sti-nt drink of the followi g: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Potash, chl- rde of id achm 

Water, q. s. . add 2 pints 

Mix and put conven e t'y by. 

Gapes 

This is a peculiar trouble and affect ^ more directly the 
windpipe. Tie cause of it i-^ by no means thoroughly un- 
derstood, but i is pretty w 11 . i et led that it is a parasitic 
worm. It usually occurs in chicks from two to three 
months old. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is a constant cough and sneez* with continual 
gaping. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Dip a feather into an ounce of turpentine in which a 
drachm of gum camphor has been dissolved and with it 
swab out the opening to the windpipe which cau be plain- 
ly seen at the root of the tongue One application is gen- 
erally sufficient. 

pip 

This is by no means a disease within ibelf, bir merely 
the result of one. All that is necessary in a case of pip is 
to remove the crust at the tip of th t tongue. 



316 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Sore Head. 

This is a peculiar condition which makes its appearance 
seemingly without any cause and runs through an entire 
flock unless promptly dealt with. It resembles roup, but 
is quile different to it. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

Knots appear about the head and eyes, and the swelling 
and inflammation of these keep increasing until the eyes 
are closed and the head is apparently one solid sore. The 
fowl goes blind and eventually dies unless treatment is 
resorted to. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Calomel i ounce 

Sulphur i ounce 

Lard . . . i ounce 

Mix and apply all over head and face. In a few days the 
inflammation subsides, the eyes open up and the fowl is all 
right. Extra care should be used in feeding fowls while 
they are so they cannot see. 

Leg Weakness 

This is a common trouble with the young of some of the 
larger breeds and it may be readily overcome by feeding 
meats and cracked grain with the fol'owirg tonic: 



AND LECTURES 317 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Iron, citrate of • . . . 1 drachm 

Sulphur 1 ounce 

Calcium, sulphate of i ounce 

Mix and give a half teaspoonful to each fowl twice a dny 

in oat or barley meal. 

Lice- 

Hen lice are a nuisance for which there i- but little ex- 
cuse. Always be sure that every new fowl brought into 
the flock is free fr m lice, and keep houses and run- in 
good condition from a smitary staudp int, and lice will 
never make their appearance 

HOW TO GET RID OF THEM. 

When lice have once msde their appearance we may 
get rid of them by sprinkling hens and nests every third 
day with Scotch snuff mixed with sulphur. When lice 
infest the heads and wings of 1 ttle chicks, use the follow- 
ing: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Sulphur i ounce 

Lard i ounce 

Mix and grease head and wings thoroughly. This will 
also take fleas off of fowls without the slighest danger. 

Fleas. 

Mexican fleas, or "stick tights" as they are called by 
some, are multitudious in some parts of the country and 
are very annoying to fowls. 



3lS PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

To rid a place of th^se aggravating insects first coop ar 
fowls and grease their heads with the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Sulphur i ounce 

Kerosene i ounce 

1/ rd . i ounce 

Ac'd, carbolc . 20 drops 

Mix and apply. 

When this i^ do e take common salt and scatter it thin 

all over the floors of houses, coops, etc; th n spri- kle wiih 

sufficiet t v a er to melt the salt. 

Mites. 

These are v« ritab'e pests in some parts ( f the country, 
but they may be gotten rid of if tne mean- employed in 
gfttio^ -rid of lice and fleas are *e ort-d to and the wall, 
floors and and ccLings are painted with the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Verdigris ... . 1 drrchm 

Alcohol 3 ounces 

Acid, carbolic (crude) 3 ounces 

Oil of Tar . 3 ounces 

Ammonia, aqua 3 ounces 

Kerosene ... . 12 ounces 

Mix and paint every part of building thoroughly, 



S H I: I: P . 



Though incomplete in some respects, this part of the 
work comprises all of the more common diseases and reme- 
dies which may be easily and successfully employed in this 
class of ruminants. 

Travel Sore. 

This is a common trouble in sheep that have been driven 
on the road. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The actions of the sheep in traveling coupled with an ex- 
amination of the feet will disclose the character of affection. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Cleanse foot thoroughly with soap and water being par- 
ticular as to cleft, then touch thin or tender with 
sulphuric acid and cover with tar. If any signs of foul are 
present apply a strong solution of sulphate of copper to 
cleft. 



322 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Gravel and Swollen Foot. 

This is a condition in which the canal in. the upper part 
of, and front of hoof is swollen and much inflamed. 

WHAT TO DO. 

If graveled remove the gravel and apply any soothing 
medicament, always protecting the foot until it has time to 
heal. If an ulcer or abscess has formed release the pus and 
dress with tincture of myrrh. 

Foot Hot. 

This is a common and fatal affection when not given 
prompt attention. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

First the skin over the heels and top of the clefts of the 
hoofs becomes moist, warm red and rough, this is followed 
by ulceration and the discharge of purulent matter, the foot 
soon becomes a mass of corruption, sometimes filled with 
maggots. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Remove all diseased parts with a sharp knife, when this 
is done bathe for fifteen minutes in a saturated solution of 
sulphate of copper and cover hoof with chloride of lime, 
Give internally the following: 



AND I.KCTURKS 223 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Iron, sulphate of 1-2 ounce 

Potash, nitrate of ........ 1-2 ounce 

Sodium, chloride of 2 drachms 

Mix and make into 8 powders and give one a day 

Maggots. 

To get rid of maggots cleanse wound thoroughly with 
carbolized water removeevery one that can be found and 
apply the following to wound: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Creosote 1 ounce 

Alcohol 2 ounces 

Mix and touch wound all over with it 

Worms. 

Intestinal worms in sheep do but little damage, and our 
only means of telling when a herd is infested with them is 
by finding them in the bowels of a sheep which has been 
butchered or died and the intestines subsequently ex- 
amined. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

Give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Sodium, chloride of 16 ounces 

Magnesia, sulphate of ...... 8 ounces 



324 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Iron, sulphate of 2 ounces 

Gentian, (powdered) 4 ounces 

Mix and give to 50 sheep once ever)* two weeks. 

Liver Fluke 

This is commonly known as simple "rot". It is due to 
the presence of small flat worms in the liver. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The skin is soft and flabby and there is a crackling sen- 
sation when it is taken between the thumb and finger. The 
eyes are yellow, the bell)* is enlarged and there is tender- 
ness about the loins and signs of weakness are apparent. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Place sheep in high dry pasture and give the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Magnesia, sulphate of 2 ounces 

Turpentine 2 drachms 

Water, q. s. ad 12 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat every other day 
until 3 doses have been given. When this is done use the 
following: 

PRESCRIPTION, 

Flaxseed Meal 16 ounces 

Gentian (powdered ... \ * , , i ounce 



AM) LKCTURKS 325 

Sodium, chloride of . 2 ounces. 

Iron, sulphate of . . 2 drachms 

Mix and give" at two feeds one a day and keep it up for a 
week, then discontinue for two weeks and repeal . 

Lui\£ Worms. 

This disease is marked by the presence of worms in the 
wind pipe, bronchial tubes or lungs, and is recognized by a 
husky cough, rapid breathing- and loss of appetite. The 
sheep will place his nose on the ground and rub it. There 
may be a diarrhoea. 

WHAT TO DO 

Have sheep to breathe fumes from burning turpentine 
and give internally the following: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Magnesia, Sulphate of 3 ounces 

Potash, Nitrate of 2 ounces 

Iron, Sulphate of 2 ounces 

Gentian (Powdered) 2 ounces 

Sulphur 3 ounces 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful at a dose once a day in 
corn meal and keep this up for a week, then discontinue for 
two weeks and repeat. 

Bloating 

This is a condition in which the paunch is distended with 
£as or wind. 



326 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The sheep keeps getting up and down, is uneasy and 
shows signs of pain. The left side will be found distented 
and when tapped upon gives a hollow drum like sound. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give at once the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Soda, bicarbonate of 1 drachm 

Niter, spirits of 1-2 ouire 

Epsom Salts 4 ounces 

Ginger (powdered) 2 drachms 

Mix and give in a pint of warm water and repeat in two 
hours if necessary. Should this fail to relieve, tapping 
must be resorted to. To tap, clip wool from a spot half 
way between point of hip and last rib and about three 
inches from back bones, insert a sharp but small blade 
through into paunch and gas will escape. The wound 
will heal of its own accord. 

Colic 

Colic in sheep is the same as it is in any other animal. 
The sheep lies down and strikes his feet against his belly, 
moans and and gets up, only to repeat these acts at the 
next pain. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give the following: 



AND LECTURES. 327 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Opium, tincture of 2 drachms 

Aconite, tincture of . .5 drops 

Soda, bicarbonate of 1 drachm 

Mix and give at one dose, and repeat every hour so long as 
necessary-. If the ingredients of above are not at hand give 
this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Turpentine . . • 2 drachms 

Lard .... • 8 ounces 

Mix and give at one dose. 

Inflammation of the Bowels. 

This is a common trouble in the colder sections of the coun- 
try, and is supposed to be due to the eating of frozen or 
faulty food. The sheep with inflammation of the bowels 
acts very much as if he has the colic, but there is no inter- 
mission in the pain; he paws the ground, his ears and legs 
are cold, and pressure on the belly brings forth a moan of 
pain. 

WHAT TO DO. 

First give the following as a purge. 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Epsom Salts 5 ounces 

Ginger 1 drachm 



328 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Ni er, spirits of 4 drachms 

Mix and giv * atone dose and begin at once the 'oJlowing: 

PRESCRIPTION 



is 



Opium, tincture of 2 drachm; 

Aconi'e, tincture of . 4 drops 

Water q s. ad . . .8 ounces 

Mix ynd give at one dose and repeat every hour so long as 

indicated. 

Grub in the Head 

This is a comm -n trouble in some parts of the run t\ . 
The cause i not undent- od but it is nvsi common among 
she^p pastured on svviinpy lands 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

Th ■ sheep act- very S'iang< ; it will hold its head to o; e 
si ie and a little higher than natural at first, then a kind 
of fit comes on in which the sheep will run against fences, 
into ditch s, e c Sometimes the sheep falls ovei and is 
in a p- rfect j-rk for a moment, then it is all right again for 
a few minutes 

WHAT TO DC 

Place sheep in a dose 1 >t where it can not hurt itse'f, 
and notice the h^ad each day for a s -ft spot in the bone at 
the top Wi en soft spot app< ars remove skin over it first 
and then diseased bone being careful not to touch the 
brain; the grub wil r\<e up and relieve pressure from brain. 
Do n t attempt to remove grub na'ure will throw it off at 
the right time 



AND LECTURES 329 

Sc&Jb. 

This trouble might properly be called mange f r it is 
nothing else. It is a parasitic disease, and very con- 
tagious. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The sheep is continually rubbing itself, ihe wool falls 
off in spots and it loses flesh rapidly. An expression akin 
to anguish is noticable, 

WHAT TO DO. 

To treat this disea-.e a large tank or reservoir is neces- 
sary for dipping purposes. The following makes a splen- 
did dip. 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Arsenic 1 pound 

Pearl Ash 1 pound 

Sulphur 1. pound 

Soft Soap 1 pound 

Boiling water . 3 gallons 

Mix and add 35 gallons of cold water. Dip the sheep all 
but the head retaining him for a minute in the fluid. It 
is always best to clip the wool close before dipping. After 
dipping wash the heads every day for a week with this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Creoline 2 ounces 

Water 2 pints. 

Mix and w?sh the head thoroughly. Ticks and lice may 

be gotten rid of by a liberal use of this 



DOGS 



The writer feels that his work woul-i be incomplete, did 
he not devo'e a fe : v pages to man's best friend. Dogs aie 
by s me considered valueless, while others appreciate them 
beyond their worth. In the clo.-irig pages of this work we 
will give some of the more common affection; am mg dogs 
and their treatment. 

Mange. 

Mange is a sVin disease and is due to a parasite or mit'- 
like organism. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

There is intense itching which often incites frantic 
scratching. The hair is generally worn off of either o: e 
or both haunches. The itching generally makes its ap- 
pearance first around the eyes, fore legs and elbows, . then 
on the belly, in the flanks and inside the thighs, soon 
covering the whole body. There is loss of hair, pimply 
eruptions with scaly patches between. 



33 2 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give the dog a thorough scrubbing with soap and 
water and use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Sulphur 3 ounces 

Lard 2 ounces 

Kerosene 1 ounce 

Mix and rub in well over all affected parts. 

Fleas, 

These are a source of much annoyance to a dog. They 
can be readily killed with this: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Oil of Anise seed i r 2 ounce 

Olive Oil 3 ounces 

Kerosene q. s. ad ' • 4 ounces. 

Mix and rub in well. 

Lice 

There are several kinds of lice which infest the coat of 
dogs, either of which ma}^ be gotten rid of b}^ oiling the 
dog with whale oil. 

Ringworm 

Ringworm is a kind of vegetable parasitic disturbance 
and is recognized by an elevation of the skin in the shape 
of a ring, which increases in size. There is much local 



AND LECTURES. 333 

irritation; the hair drops off showing the skin scaly and 
rough. 



WHAT TO DO. 

Wash affected parts in soap and water, cleansing them 
thoroughly, and then use this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Oil of Tar 3 drachms 

Whale Oil 6 ounces 

Mix and rub in well on ringworm. 

Inflammation of the Eyes 

This is what is commonly known as sore eyes, a condi- 
tion in which the eyes are red and inflamed, with the 
lids swollen and tears flowing down the face. 

WHAT TO DO 

If a mechanical irritant be present, remove it and bathe 
in cold cream. Should the trouble be other than mechani- 
cal, use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Lead, acetate of 15 grains 

Zinc, sulphate of • . 15 grains 

Morphine, sulphate of ...... 10 grains 

Water, q. s. ad 8 ounces 

Mix and bathe eye twice per day, being sure to get the 

wash into the eye. 



334 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Ear Canker 

This trouble is seldom found in dogs not accustomed to 
the chase. It consists of an offensive discharge from the 
ear. With it a dog holds his head to one side and shows 
much uneasiness as well as unwillingness to be examined. 

WHAT TO DO 

Cleanse the ear with warm water. and use the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Lead, Acetate of 2 drachms 

Zinc, Sulphate of 2 drachms 

Almm 2 drachms 

Water, qs. ad •■'".".-.. 1 pint 

Mix and inject into' ear once a day. 

Distemper. 

This is one of the most common diseases in the canine 
family, and it seems that every dog must have it. In many 
instances the scenting qualities are impaired and sometimes 
the trouble proves fatal. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

The eyes are red, the nose is hot and dry, there is loss of 
appetite and great languor; the urine is highly colored and 
the bowels are uncertain, with offensive forces always. The 
breathing is usually accelerated. In a day or two the eyes 
and nose begin to run water, but this discharge becomes 



AND LECTURES 335 

purulent directly. The eyes and nose sometimes become so 
gummed as that breathing through the nose is impossible, 
and the dog cannot see. Distemper is often complicated 
with other troubles. 

WHAT TO DO FOR IT. 

In a. fox hound give a tablespoonful. of syrup of buck- 
thorn every twenty-four hours until the bowels move. (Al- 
ways regulate dose according to size of dog.) Give the 
following from beginning of troubles and continue it's use 
until all is over: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Sulphur . i ounce 

Potash, Nitrate of i ounce 

Gentian (powdered) Yz ounce 

Blood Root (powdered) 3 drachms 

Mix and give a scanty teaspoonful twice a day to a full- 
grown fox hound. A dog with distemper should always 
be fed lightly. 

Constipation. 

A frequent trouble with dogs is the accumulation and 
hardening of the falces in the bowels. 

HOW TO KNOW IT. 

The belly usually seems rather full, the dog is dull and 
will not eat much, there are frequent efforts at evacuation 
in which there is much straining with but slight passages 
if any at all, and these are diy and hard. 



33^ PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

WHAT TO DO. 

Give at once (to grown hound) two tablespoonsful of 
castor oil and repeat twice per day until trouble is passed. 
Rectal injections may be employed advantageously in this 
trouble. 

Diarrhoea ajid Dysentery. 

These troubles are very uncommon in dogs. Dysentery 
is distinguished by the presence of blood in the excretions. 

WHAT TO DO FOR THEM. 

First give a tablespoonful of castor oil and in one hour 
begin the following: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Opium, Tincture of i ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 20 drops 

Gum Arabic 2 drachms 

Chalk, precipitated i ounce 

Mix and give a tablespoonful at a dose every 4 hours. 

Worms. 

Worms as a rule improve the appetite, but the dog does 
not seem to do well, the coat has a dry, dirty and dusty 
appearance, and sometimes a worm is passed in the falces. 
Warm fits are by no means uncommon where a dog is bad- 
ly affected. 

WHAT TO DO 

Give the following: 



AND LECTURES 337 

PRESCRIPTION 

Oil of Male Shield Fern .... 1 drachm 

Olive Oil : . . 1-2 ounce 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat on third day. 

Fits. 

On account of the high development of the nervous sys- 
tem, fits are quite common among dogs. They may be 
brought on by worms, over-eating, indigestion or worry. 

HOW TO KNOW THEM 

The dog usually falls, is delirious and works his legs 
violently. There is frothing at the mouth and champing 
of the jaws. The fit soon passes off and the dog is all right 
until another comes on. 

WHAT TO DC 

If worms are suspected look after them. If cause of fits 
is not perceptible give at once a good dose of castor oil and 
follow in thirty minutes with: 

PRESCRIPTION 

Potash, bromide of 2 drachms 

Water, q. s. ad 6 ounces 

Mix and give a tablespoonful three times a day for three 

days. 

Chorea. 

This is a nervous trouble and is recognized by a continual 
jerking of the muscles. 



33§ PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

WHAT TO DO. 

The bromide prescription used in fits is good in the be- 
ginning of this trouble. Nothing can be done after it has 
once secu.ed a good foothold. 

Hydrophobia 

This is the most dangerous and worst dreaded of all the 
diseases with which the canine family is afflicted. It may 
arise spontaneously or be introduced into the system by 
inocculation, and is always communicable to man and other 
animals. The usual period of incubation is from two to 
four weeks, but it may be a year or even longer. 

HOW TO KNOW IT 

At first the dog seems rather timid and very thirsty; he 
will make some efforts to drink, but cannot swallow, his 
food he cannot chew and he will snap or bite when punch- 
ed with a stick. Next the dog becomes delirious, froths at 
the mouth, runs about and bites everything with which he 
comes in contact. The eyes are blood-shotten, the lower 
jaw is usually dropped and the tongue commonly hangs 
out. A mad dog has seldom been known to go out 
of his waj- to attack anything. 

WHAT TO DO 

The safest way is to kill not only the dog but every ani- 
mal it has come in contact with, 



AND LECTURES 339 

Poison a.nd Their Antidotes 

Dogs frequently get poisoned from eating noxious plants 
or by getting hold of poisonous substances left out for some 
other purpose — sometimes by malicious persons and sonme- 
times by overdose of strong drug. It is well to know some- 
thing about the common poisons, with their modes of 
action and their antidotes, as the loss of a few minutes will 
in some cases cost the dog's life. A few general directions 
on this line will pay the reader to commit to memory some 
of the following remedies. If the dog is poisoned on an 
alkali, give an acid such as vinegar, etc., in one tablespoon- 
ful doses every 15 or 20 minutes. If poisoned by acid give 
alkali, such as common cooking soda, one teaspoonful every 
20 minutes until you give 3 or 4 doses. 

Strychnine Poison 

This is a very common occurrence in the dog. They can 
get hold of this poison in various ways. 

SYMPTOMS. 

This is an irritating poison, manifesting itself by tetanic 
spasms and general convulsions, convulsion of the dia- 
phraghm, causing labored breathing. In this case give 
something to make him vomit as quick as possible. Pro- 
bably the handiest thing will be this: 

PRESCRIPTION. 

Ground Mustard ......... 2 ounces 

Common Salt r ; ........ 3 ounces 



340 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Mix, give at one dose in a little warm water; repeat every 
10 or 15 minutes. Then give this: Hydrated Chlorate ten 
grains in water every 30 to 40 minutes till 3 or 4 doses have 
been given. 



PRESCRIPTIONS FOR, CATTLE. 



TONIC POWDERS 

Sulphur ... . 3 ounces 

Mustard, powdered 4 ounces 

Sassafras Bark, powdered 2 ounces 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Foenugreek, powdered .1 ounce 

Skunk Cabbage, powdered .... 2 ounces 
Mix and give two tablespoonsful a day. 

PURGATIVE. 

Epsom Salts 16 ounces 

Gentian, powdered 1 ounce 

Ginger, powdered . . ...... 1 ounce 

Mix and give at one dose in a quart of water. 

FEVER MIXTURE 

Aconite, Tincture of 3 drachms 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . .12 ounce 



34 2 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Potasb, Nitrate of 2 ounces 

I/inseed Infusion 1 pint 

Mix and give two ounces at a dose every two hours. 

FEVER MIXTURE No. 2. 

Nitre, Spirits of 3 ounces 

Aconte, Tincture of 2 drachms 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . - 2 ou> ces 

Potash, Ni rate of 2 ounces 

Ammonn, Muriate of 2 ounces 

Water, q. s. ad 2 pint-i 

Mix and give a half teacupful at a dos • every two hour- 
SORE THROAT. 

Potash, Cbloraie of ........ 2 ounces 

Acid, Carbol'c '. . ...... .... , . 20 dr< ps 

Wate ; q s ad 1 piut 

Mix and m-p out throat 3 or 4 times a day. 

CHRONIC COUGH 

Camp 1 - or Gum .1 ource 

Nitre, vSpirit ; of 4 ounces 

, Ginger, Tincture of 2 ounces 

Potash, Nrrate rf 1^1-2 ounces 

Water q. s ad . . . . . ... . . . . 2 pints 

Mix and give a teacupful three times a day. 

HEAVES. 

Mustard, ground 4 ounces 

Gentian, powdered . 2 ounces 



AND LECTURES 243 

Goenugreek (powdered) i ounce 

Lobelia Seed " . .... 2 ounces 

Blood Root " 2 ounces 

Potash, Nitrate of 21-2 ounces 

Mix and give 2 tablespoousful twice a day. 

TO RELIEVE PAIN. 

Opium, Tincture of 1 ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 1-2 drachm 

Water q. s, ad 1 pint 

Mix and give at two doses one hour apart. 

STIMULANT. 

Brandy ..... 12 ounces 

Ginger, Tincture of 3 ounces 

Water q. s ad 2 pints 

Mix and give half a pint at a dose as indicated. 

CHRONIC INDIGESTION. 

Soda, Bicarbo iate of 4 ounces 

Gentian, powdered 3 ounces 

Ginger, powdered 2 ounces 

Skunk Cabbage, powdered .... 2 ounces 
Mix and give one tablespoonful at a dose night and morn- 
ing. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Epsom Salts 10 ounces 

Ginger, powdered 1 ounce 



344 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

Nux Vomica, powdered 2 drachms 

Mix and give at one dose in a quart of water. 

DIARRHOEA. 

Chalk precipitated ......... 2 ounces 

Catechu, powdered . . 1 ounce? 

Ginger 2 ounces 

Opium " ....... 2 drachms 

Mix with a pint of water and give a half t^acupful tight 

and morning. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

Opium, Tincture of 4 o\ nces 

Aconite Fluid Extract of 1 drachm 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . 2 drachms 
Niter, Spirits of 4 ounces 

Mix and give three tablespoocsful every three hours in 

linseed tea. 

BLOODY URINE. 

Gentian, Tincture of 1-2 ounce 

Muriate of Iron, Ti cture of . . .2 drachms 

Aconite, Tinc'ure of 20 drops 

Water q s ad . 1 pint 

Mix aud give at one dose and repeat thiee times a day for 

one week 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 

Opium, Tincture of 1 ounce 

Aconite, Tincture of 20 drops. 



AND LHCTUKKS 345 

Mindererus, Spirits of 2 ounces. 

Mix and give at one dose in a pint of linseed tea and repeat 
every 2 hours. 

RHEUMATISM. 

Cinchona Bark, powdered 1 ounce. 

Potash, Nitrate of 1 1-2 ounces. 

Foenugreek, powdered 1-2 ounce. 

Colchicum .1 ounce. 

Mix and give at 4 doses, two a da}\ 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 

Potash, Bromide of 2 ounces. 

Aconite, Tincture of .2 drachms. 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . .3 drachms. 

Water, q. s. ad 8 ounces. 

Mix and give two tablespoonsful at a dose ever)- 2 hours. 

HEAT PROSTRATION. 

Amonia, Aqua 1 1-2 ounces. 

Water q. s. ad 2 pints. 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat in 30 minutes. 

PARALYSIS. 

Nux Vomica, powdered 4 drachms. 

Gentian, powdered ......... 1 ounce. 

Flaxseed Meal 4 ounces. 

Mix and divide into four doses and give one night and 
morning. 



34 6 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

RETENTION OF AFTERBIRTH. 

Epsom Salts 12 ounces 

Nitre, Spirits of . , 1 ounce 

Belladonna, Fluid Extract of . . .2 drachms 

Water q. s. ad 2 pints 

Mix and give at one dose. 

FLOODING. 

Ergot, Fluid Extract of 1 ounce 

Water q. s. ad . . . . . 1 pint 

Mix and give at one dose and repeat in one hour. 

LUMP JAW LINIMENT. 

Oil of Spike 1 ounce 

Camphor Gum 3 drachms 

Mercury, Bichloride of 1 ounce 

Hartshorn 1 drachm 

Turpentine q. s. ad 8 ounces 

Mix and apply once a day. 

WARTS. 

Zinc, Sulphate of 1-2 ounce 

Acid, Nitric 1-2 ounce 

Acid, Sulphuric 1-2 ounce 

Mix and apply once a day until wart is dead. 

SNAKE BITES. 

Whisky - 1 pint, 



AND LECTURES 347 

Amonnia, Aquae i drachm. 

Water, q. s. ad 2 pints. 

Mix and give at one dose. 

MANGE. 

Sulphur 4 ounces. 

Oil of Tar 21-2 ounces. 

Acid, Carbolic (crude) Yv ounce. 

.Linseed Oil 16 ounces. 

Mix and apply once a day. 

LICK. 

Olive Oil 1 ounce. 

Kerosene 1 ounce. 

• Sulphur 1 ounce. 

Lard ' 1 ounce. 

Mix. One application is general!)' sufficient. 

SCREW WORMS. 

Pine Tar 4 ounces. 

Acid, Carbolic (crude) 1 ounce. 

Oil of Cedar 21-2 ounces. 

Alcohol 3 ounces. 

Mix and apply. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE UDDER. 

Camphor Gum 1 ounce. 

Linseed Oil 8 ounces. 

Mix and rub in well 3 or 4 times a day. 



34§ PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

CHAPPED AND SORE TEATS. 

Olive Oil 4 ounces. 

Camphor Gum i ounce. 

Acid, Carbolic .......... i drachm. 

Mix and apply twice a day. 

BITTER AND BLOODY MILK. 

Mustard, Ground 3 ounces 

Sulphur 2 ounces. 

Potash, Nitrate of 4 ounces. 

Potash, Chlorate of ^ ounce. 

Sassafras Bark, Powdered .... 2 ounces. 

Gentian, Powdered 1 ounce. 

Skunk Cabbage, Powdered .... 2 ounces. 
Mix and give two tablespoonsful once or twice a day as in- 
dicated. 

JOINT ILL. 

Sodium, Salycilate of 2 drachms. 

Blood Root, Powdered 2 drachms. 

Flaxseed Meal 2 ounces. 

Mix and divide into 6 powders and give one morning, noon 
and night. 

SCOURING IN CALVES. 
Iron, Sulphate of . . : i drachm. 



AND LECTURES 349 

Chalk, Precipitated . 2 drachms. 

Lump Starch 2 drachms. 

Jamaica Ginger 20 drops. 

Nux Vomica; Tincture of .... 2 drops. 

Opium, Tincture of 15 drops. 

Mix and give at one dose in new milk. 



INDEX 

Part I. Horses. 



A 

Paj:e 
Abortion ! 179 

Abcesses 114 

Abcess, Opening 191 

Actions 15 

Age of the Horse 22 

Aneurism 120 

Ankle, locked 155 

Apoplexy 126 

B 

Bladder, Evtrsion of 99 

Bladder, Infl^mm :t on of . . . 94 

Bladder, Paalysis cf 98 

Bladder, Rupture of 100 

Bladder, S; asm of the Neck of 98 

Bleeding 189 

Bleeding the Horse , 190 

Blood, Stopping 191 

Bots 70 

Bowels, Inflammation of 87 

Brain, Inflammation of 123 

Bronchitis, Acuce 45 

Bronchitis, Chronic 47 

Blind Stagger 129 

Bowels, Inflammation of 187 

Blood Diseases 112 

Breathing of the Horse .16 

C 

Canker ..-.../ 171 

Caries . . , . , 149 



352 INDEX— PARTI. OF THE HORSE. 

Page 

Castrating 192 

Castrating, Evil Resu'ts of . . 175 

Cataract : . . . 135 

Catarrh, Acute 37 

Cata'rh, Chronic 39 

Chest, Tapping the 192 

Choked Horse 34 

Co'ic, Billious 72 

Colic, Spasmodic 73 

Colic, Wind 75 

Colon, Tapping the „. . . . 192 

Constipation ". 80 

Corns 164 

Cough, Acute . . . ' , 62 

Cough, Chronic 63 

CONTENTS 6 

Congestion, of the Liver . T09 

Cocked Ankle 155 

Diabetes 97 

Diaphragm, Rupture of . 79 

D'arrhoae , .. ■ 82 

Distemper 5 2 

Drenching the Horse 20 

Dropsy ., 157 

Dysentery "• 84 

Dribbling of Urine 102 

E 

Endocardium, Diseases "of 118 

Eczema . . .-- 143 

Extracting Teeth '9 1 

Eyelids, Torn • 137 

Eye, Weeping ....,., ,.,,., . . 136 



INDEX— PART I. OF THE HORSE. 353 

Page 
Eyes, Glass 134 

F 

Farcy '. 115 

Feeding 21 

Fever, puerperal 180 

Fistulous, Withers . 146 

Foul Sheath . 108 

Founder 172 

Founder, Acute 172 

Founder, Chronic 174 

Foot, Gravel in 169 

Foal, How to Tell 178 

Foal, Mares Hard to 177 

G 

Gut Tie 86 

Gastritis .66 

Glanders 115 

Glass Eye 134 

Gleet 39 

Gonorrhoea 105 

Gravel, in Foot 169 

Crease Heal 154 

H 

Heart, Atrophy of 120 

Heart, Enlargement of 119 

Heaves 55 

Hide-Bind 142 

Hip Lameness 162 

Hipped . 162 

How to Fatten a Horse Quick 196 

How to Make a Horse Go Lame 195 

How to Make a Slow Horse Peart 195 

Heaves, How to Shut them down . , , 55 



354 INDEX-PART I. OF THE HORSE. 

Page 
I 

Inclinations 13 

Indigestion 69 

Influenza .112 

Inflammation, of Bowels • • • 87 

Inflammation, of Brain . . 123 

Inflammation, of Kidneys 91 

Inflammation, of Iris 134 

Inflammation, of Ovaries 177 

Inflammation, of Liver no 

Inflammation of Bladder 94 

Inflammation, of Testicles 175 

Itchy Skin 141 

Itchy Tail 140 

J 

Jockey Tricks 195 

K 

Kidney, Congestion of . .* 93 

Kidney, Inflammation of 91 

Know What You are Treating 18 

L 

Lampas 29 

Laryngitis 41 

Lice 138 

Liver, Congestion of 109 

Liver, Inflammation of no 

Lock Jaw 126 

Loco Poisoning 131 

Lungp, Congestion of 59 

M 

Mange 138 

Medicine, How to Give ,.,...._,.,,,,,. t . . . 29 



INBEX-PART I. OFTHEHORSK. 355 

Page 

Medicine, to Keep on Hand 197 

Medicnie, When Indicated .. 

Meningitis 125 

Moon Blindness 133 

Mouth, Sore 30 

Mares Hard to Foal 177 

Mares in Foal, How to Tell 178 

1ST 

Narrow Heel 168 

Necrosis 149 

Nursing 21 

Nasal Glett 39 

o 

Operating on Blood Spavin 191 

Ovaries, Inflammation of 177 

Opening an Abcess 191 

Opera'ion on the Hv rse .189 

P 

Parturition 179 

Penis, Wounds of 176 

Pharyngitis 32 

Pinkeje 112 

Pleurisy 60 

Pn.umouia 48 

Poll Evil 145 

Powders, Cleansing 198 

Prescriptions for Horses 198 209 

Pricking the Foot 166 

Prompt Treatment, Importance of 17 

Pulse, How to Take Them 14 

Prescriptions for Cattle . . ■ . 341-345 



356 INDEX— PART I. OF THE HORSE. 

Page 
Q 

Quarter Cracks 167 

Quinsy 44 

Quittor -165 

R 

Respiration . 16 

Rheumatism 113 

Ringbone 155 

Ringworm . . . 191 

Rupture, of the Stomach 79 

Ruptures 151 

S 

Stifled 161 

Stomach, Rupture of 79 

Superpurgation 85 

Surfeit . . 141 

Sweeney 159 

Saddle Galls 144 

Scratches . . . ..... 154 

Shoulder Lameness 160 

Side Bones 171 

Set-Fasts . 144 

Spavin Bog 158 

Spavin Bone 157 

Spavin Blood 159 

Splints 156 

Stopping Blood 191 

Staggers, Stomach 68 

Staggers, Blind 129 

Stone Bruise 170 

Sunstroke 128 

Stricture of the Urethra 104 

Swing, use of (illustration) ...._.............. 193 



INDEX— PART T. OF THE HORSE. 357 

Page 
Sore Mouth . . . . 30 

T 

Teeth Extracting 191 

Teeth. Elongated 27 

Teeth, Irregular 27 

Teeth, Sharp , . 27 

Teeth, Uneven 28 

Temperature 15 

Thumps 121 

Tongue, Laceration of 31 

Toothache 28 

Tumor in False Nostril 37 

Testicles, Inflammation of 175 

Tetanus 126 

Thrush 168 

Tumors, Removing of 191 

Taking the Pulse 14 

Tapping the Chest 192 

Tapping the Colon 192 

u 

Uretha, Stricture of 104 

Urinary Calculi 106 

Urine, Bloody 101 

Urine, Dribbling of 102 

w 

Worm 88 

Warts 143 

Weeping Eyes 136 

Wind Galls 153 

Wire Cuts 150 

Withers Fistula 146 

Wounds of the Penis 176 

Womb, Inflammation of . . . . . ' 176 



INDEX 

Part II. Cattle 

A 

Page 

Abortion 268 

Abscess of Navel • . 287 

Afterbirth 277 

After Pains 266 

Anthrax ■ 253 

B 

Bites, Snake 277 

Bitter Milk . . 284 

Bleeding from the Nose 216 

Bleeding from the Ivuog 217 

Back, Grubs in . J" 279 

Bladder Stone in 244 

Bladder, Inflammation of 243 

Blood Poisoning 246 

Bloody Urine . . ." 243 

Bloody Milk 284 

Boils 276 

Blisters, Water . 275 

Black Leg 253 

Brain, Inflammation of 255 

Bronchitis 220 

Broken Limbs 290 

Brain, Congestion of 256 

Bowels, Inflammation of 237 

c 

Cattle - 213 

Catarrh 217 

Cataract - 262 



INDEX— PART H— CATTLE. 359 

Page 

Castrating 293 

Chronio Iuligest on '. 233 

Choking 228 

Chapped Te ts . . . , 283 

Constip tion 288 

Congestion of the U<lder 282 

Concussion of the Brain 20 

Congestion of the Testicles 264 

Constipation 234 

Coutageous Pieuro Pneumonia 249 

Cold in the He d 217 

Cough, Chronic 224 

Cud, Loss of 228 

D 

Dehorning 291 

Diarrho?a. 235 

Diphtheria 220 

Dry Murri n , 232 

Dysentery 236 

E 

Eczema 274 

Eversion of the Urine 270 

Eye, Inflammation of 261 

Eye, Foreign Substance in 262 

Eye, Lids Torn 263 

F 

Fever, Texas 251 

Fever, Puerperal 270 

Fistula, Milk Glands 285 

Flooding 269 

Fleas • ' 281 

Flies, Horn 280 

Foreign Substance in the Eye 262 



36a INDEX— PART II— CATTLE. 

a 

Page 

Gnats, Buffalo . 279 

Grubs in Back 279 

H 

Hsaves 225 

Heat, Prostration From 257 

Hoven 229 

Horn Flies ... « . ' 280 

I 

Incontinence of Urine 242 

Indigestion, Chronic 233 

Intestinal Worms 238 

Impaction of the Omasum 232 

Impaction of the Rumen 231 

Inflammation of the Brain 255 

Inflammation of the Bladder 243 

Inflammation of the Testicles 264 

Inflammation of the Eye 261 

Inflammation of the Udder 282 

Inflammation of the Kidney 240 

J 

Jaw, Lump 273 

Joint, 111 286 

K 

Kidney, Inflammation of 240 

L 

Laryngitis 219 

Lice 278 

Loss of Cud 228 

Lockjaw 259 

Lump Jaw . 273 



INDEX— PART Ii. CATTLE. 361 

Tage 

M 

Mange 277 

Milk, Bloody 284 

Milk, Bitter , 284 

Milk, Suppression of 284 

Miscarriage 268 

Mouth, Sore 227 

Navel, Abscess 287 

Navel, Rupture 287 

O 

Operations on Cnttle , 290 

Omasum, Impaction of 232 

P 

Partnration 266 

Paralysis • . . 258 

Philisis, Pu'monalis . 247 

Pleurisy 223 

Prolonged After Pains ,. x 266 

Prostration from Heat ....'.. 257 

Pneumonia 222 

Pneumonia, Contageous Pleuro 249 

Poisoning, Blood 246 

Puerperal Fever 270 

Pulse 215 

PRESCRIPTIONS 341 

R 

Respiration 215 

Retention of the Urine 241 

Retention of the Afterbirth 267 

Rheumatism 248 

Ringworm 278 

Rinderpest 251 



362 INDEX— PART II— CATTLE. 

Page 

Rumen, Impaction of 231 

Rupture of the Navel 287 

S 

Scouring . 288 

Screw Worms 281 

Signs of Disease 214 

Suake Bites ■."...." 277 

Sore mouth 227 

Sore Teats " 283 

Stone in the Bladder ■ • 244 

T 

Tapping the Rumen 230 

Tapping the Chest ' 292 

Tapping the Paunch 292 

Tapping the Bladder 293 

Teats, Sore 283 

Tempera'ure " 215 

Tetanus 259 

Texas Fever 251 

The Stomach 234 

Ticks 279 

Torn Eyelids -. . . 263 

Tuberculosis 247 

IT 

Udder, "Congestion of 282 

Udder, Inflammation of 282 

Urine, Incontinence of . . 242 

Urine, Retention of 241 

Urine, Bloody 243 

w 

Water Blisters 275 

Warts , -..,,,,.,..,,.. 276 



INDEX— PART III. SWINE 363 

Page 

Womb, Eversion of ' 270 

Worms, Intestinal , 238 

Worms, Screw 281 

Part HI. Swine 

Black Teeth . . . 304 

Rustles 306 

Constipation ■ 301 

Diarrhoea -. 302 

Fits in Pigs 303 

Hog Cholera 350 

Lice 304 

Tigging • 306 

Mange 304 

Preumonia 303 

Nates 306 

Swine 295 

Staggers 302 

Worms 300 

PaLrt IV. Poultry 

Bronchitis 314 

Catarrh 314 

Cholera ■..*.... 312 

Crop Bound 311 

Diarrhoea - 311 

Egg Production 310 

Fleas 317 

Gaps 315 

Leg Weakness 316 

Lice • 317 

Mites 318 

Pips 315 



364 INDEX-PART III. SWINE. 

Page 
Poirtry • 309 

R o u P • • • • * 313 

Sore Head . • .... • 316 



Part V. Skeep 



Bloating , 325 

Co ic 326 

Foot Rot , 322 

Gravel in Foot 322 

Grub iu [lead 32S 

Inflammation of the Bowels 327 

Liver Fluke 324 

Lung Worms 325 

Mange ..... 323 

Scab , 329 

Sheep 321 

Swollen Keet 322 

Travel Sore . 321 

Worms 323 



Part VI. Dogs 



Antidotes to Poison 339 

Chorea 337 

Constipation 335 

Diarrhoea 336 

Distemper 334 

Dog 331 

Dysentery , 336 

Ear, Canker of . . . 334 

Fits . . . . 337 

Fleas ., 332 

Hydrophobia 338 

Inflammation of the Eye ,,,...' ,.,,... 333 



I^DRX— PART VI. DOGS. 365 

. Page 

Lice 332 

Mange ' . . . .. 331 

Poisons 339 

Ringworms ' 332 

Strichnine Poison . 339 




FREE ADVICE 



^&&&&&&m^ 



THE 

DISEASES OF STOCK 



Any person buying a copy of PRIVATE PRESCRIP- 
TIONS AND LECTURFS from one of my authorized 
agents or ordering one from my office will have the privi- 
lege of free advice on any diseases they do not understand 
or anything in the book they want more information about. 
In cases where a new disease should break out, by sending 
the symptoms of the case in full and cause of trouble, as 
near as you cantel, I will furyish you by return mail, ad- 
vice and prescription in full free of charge. In writing for 
free advice give the number of the book you have bought 
which will be found on the first page. Also .send 2c post- 
age stamp for repty. Address all con espondence to 

Zv j. jCowrey; v. u.j 

Weatherford, Texas. 

Agents wanted to sell my works in every locality. I 
want the services of Farmers and Farmers' sons. Write 
for particulars. 



PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS 

AND 

LECTURES 

ON 

DISEASES OE THE HORSE 



I have classified this work under sixteen different heads, 
have arranged the different diseases under appropriate 
heads, and have treated each in such a simple way that any 
child who can read may understand. This book is the re- 
sult of years of labor and contains the best of all there is in 
science and in practice. It is plainly written, printed in 
bold type, on good paper, finely _ illustrated and perfectly 
indexed. It tells you the causes of every malady, how to 
know them and distinguish one disease from another in the 
horse and just exactly what to do at every stage of disease. 
Ever} 7 prescription is written in plain English. No worth- 
less patent medicines are recommended to you for purchase. 
Every line of this book is of practical worth; it is complete 
in every respect. To this work I have added a Supplement 
and in its pages will be found some of the most valuable 
prescriptions for cattle known to the profession. 

This book contains 168 pages and is*nicely bound in tag 
board, and will be sent post paid to any address on receipt 
of One Dollar. Address all orders to 

Weather ford, Texas. 



Jteac/j/ ZPrepctted Ureatments 



Since the publication of my book, "Private Prescriptions 
and Lectures on Diseases of the Horse," in 1902, I have* 
received numerous requests for the remedies prescribed, 
prepared by myself, from patrons who wanted the utmost 
care and the purest drugs in the preparation of their pre- 
scriptions. In response to this demand I have decided to 
keep on hand a number of these remedies oftenest used, 
compounded of the purest of drugs and with full directions 
as to their use. Prices as follows: 

COLIC CURBS: I will send to any address on receipt 
of 50c 4 oz bottle or 10 oz for $1.00. 

COLLAR AND SADDLE GALL CURE: 2 oz for 25c or 

5 oz for 50c in powder form or in the salve. In ordering 
please say which is wanted. 

BONE SPAVIN CURE: Will send you enough to cure 
3 or 4 cases for $1.00. 

BOG SPAVIN: 50c and $1.00 bottles. 

HEAVE CURES FOR HORSES: Will send you 20 
day treatment for $1.00. 

HEAVES IN CATTLE: Will send 15 day treatment 
for $1.00. 

LINIMENT FOR WIRE CUTS: 50c and $1.00 per 
bottle. 

KIDNEY CURE FOR HORSES: 50c and $1.00. 

TO TAKE WARTS OFF HORSES AND CATTLE: 
25c and 50c. 

CONDITION POWDERS FOR HORSES: 25c per lb. 

CONDITION POWDERS FOR CATTLE: 30c per lb. 
in any quantity. 



ANTICEPTIC POWDERS FOR WOUNDS AND 
SORES- 25c and 50c per box. 

BUND STAGGERS TREATMENT: 75c and Si. 00. 

SORE EYES IN HORSES: 3 ounce bottle 25c. 

Prescription for any remedy not named above will be 
promptly rilled from drugs of guaranteed purity, and for- 
warded by mail or express, on applications. 

Prices for filling any of these prescription in this book 
will be sent to any address on application Address all or- 
ders to D. J Eowery, V.S , Weather ford, Texas 



MEMORANDUM. 



MEMORAMDUM. 



NEW BOOK 1905 



Private 

— — ■■ III —■■iriTHMMMl .■■HIMIIII III — — — Mi | — — 

Prescriptions 
and hectares 



ON 
DISEASES OF STOCK 

Containing thirty-four Plain and Common-Sense lectures 
on Diseases of the Horse, Cattle, Poultry, Hogs, Sheep and 
Dogs, and their Treatments, together with Indispensable 
Information to the Farmer and Stock Man, and hundreds 
of the best Prescriptions known to the Veterinary Profes- 
sion. This work is nicely illustrated and perfectly indexed. 
Contains nearly 400 pages and is substantially bound in 
fine cloth, and will be sent to any addiess on receipt of 
#2.50, postpaid. 

Address all orders to 

D. J. Lowrey, V. S., 

Weatherford, Texas. 



MEMORANDUM PAGES. 

The following blank pages are inserted for the purpose 
of giving space for memoranda relative to the treatment of 
your stock. If you will keep a careful record of each case 
you treat) showing the date, animal, age, disease, or symp- 
toms and their progress, with the remedies used and their 
effect, it will prove very valuable to you for future refer- 
ence. 

MEMORANDUM. 



MEMORANDUM. 



MEMORANDUM. 



MEMORANDUM. 



jun x «w 



